Controversial Serbian businessman Zvonko Veselinović, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Serbia and closely connected to the country’s ruling circles, travelled from Sarajevo to Istanbul on an early Wednesday morning flight.
According to information obtained by journalists from the investigative outlet KRIK, Veselinović boarded the flight to Turkey at Sarajevo International Airport using a Serbian passport.
His departure comes amid a series of police operations and arrests targeting businessmen and officials who have long been accused of benefiting from privileged positions and political protection under President Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Veselinović has for years been considered a highly influential figure with connections reaching the highest levels of Serbian politics. Previous investigations by KRIK have documented his close relationship with Andrej Vučić, the Serbian president’s brother.
His construction companies have secured lucrative contracts for major state infrastructure projects worth hundreds of millions of euros.
Previously published intercepted messages from the encrypted Sky application also revealed how criminal underworld figures discussed Veselinović’s business activities, with rivals describing him as someone who “makes millions and is never satisfied.”
The same correspondence suggested that Veselinović had direct influence over appointments within Serbia’s Interior Ministry. In 2020, he reportedly opposed the appointment of Veselin Milić as police director, warning Andrej Vučić that he would withdraw his support for the SNS if the appointment went ahead.
According to police and intelligence files cited in the report, Veselinović has been identified as the alleged leader of an organised criminal group operating in northern Kosovo, suspected of involvement in drug, weapons and fuel smuggling, loan-sharking and money laundering.
Although he has faced several criminal proceedings in Serbia, including cases involving truck theft and illegal sand excavation, most reportedly ended in acquittals.
One of the most serious allegations concerns suspected involvement in the January 2018 assassination of Oliver Ivanović, a moderate Serbian political figure from Kosovo. Kosovo prosecutors have named Veselinović and his godfather, Milan Radoičić, as suspects in connection with the murder.
In late 2021, the US Treasury Department placed Veselinović under sanctions over alleged organised crime and corruption activities. The United Kingdom subsequently imposed similar sanctions.
