Predrag Vuletić, Vojvodina’s Provincial Secretary for Social Policy, Demography and Gender Equality, has been arrested in Serbia on suspicion of abusing his official position in a case involving the alleged misappropriation of 130.9 million dinars (approximately €1.1 million) in public funds.
Vuletić and D.M., the chair of a commission responsible for reviewing applications for financial assistance within the provincial secretariat, were arrested on Thursday on the orders of the Special Department for Combating Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the two suspects are being investigated for an alleged continued criminal offense of abuse of office under Article 359, paragraph 3 of Serbia’s Criminal Code.
Investigators suspect that they abused their official positions and authority to secure unlawful financial benefits for other individuals, allegedly causing losses of 130.9 million dinars to the budget of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina.
The funds in question were intended for families welcoming their third or fourth child, to help them purchase housing or improve their living conditions in Vojvodina.
The assistance was distributed through public calls covering the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
According to the prosecution, funds were awarded to individuals who did not meet even the basic eligibility requirement of having a third or fourth child.
The arrests followed an inspection carried out by members of the Criminal Police Directorate at the provincial secretariat on Wednesday, Nova.rs reported.
Both suspects have been placed in custody for up to 48 hours, during which time they are expected to be brought before the Special Department for Combating Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad for questioning.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a final court judgment.
