A Croatian court on March 27 ordered a month in pre-trial detention for former Croatian Ski Association president Vedran Pavlek and four other suspects as part of a corruption investigation involving nearly €30mn, authorities said.

The move follows an investigation launched by the anti-corruption office USKOK into six individuals suspected of siphoning funds from the national ski federation over more than a decade.

In a statement, USKOK said: “An investigation has been launched against six defendants on suspicion of corrupt activities as part of a criminal association in a sports federation.”

Prosecutors allege that the group, led by the main suspect, orchestrated a complex international scheme between 2014 and early 2026 to extract funds from the federation through fake contracts and invoices issued by a network of foreign companies.

“There is a reasonable suspicion that the 1st defendant… connected the 2nd – 6th defendants… in a joint operation, for the purpose of acquiring significant undue material gain to the detriment of the Federation and concealing the real origin [of the money],” USKOK said.

According to investigators, companies based in jurisdictions including Monaco, Spain and Saint Kitts and Nevis billed the federation for services that were never delivered. Payments were then approved internally despite officials allegedly knowing there was no legal basis for them.

In total, at least €29.9mn was paid out under the scheme, prosecutors said.

USKOK added that a significant portion of the funds was channelled back to the main suspect. “Of the above amount, the amount of €2,096,472.64 was paid… to companies from Monaco owned by the first defendant… The first defendant then used this amount for himself and his needs.”

Authorities also allege that more than €10mn was transferred in cash across borders, with funds physically collected abroad and brought into Croatia without being declared.

“The sixth defendant… went abroad on several occasions and there took cash in the amount of 10,938,092.58 euros… knowing that this money came from illegally transferred funds,” USKOK said.

The investigation further claims that part of the money was spent on luxury goods, hotel stays and cosmetic procedures, as well as construction projects linked to the suspect.

USKOK said it had requested detention for five of the six suspects, citing risks related to the investigation, while one suspect was not remanded due to lack of legal grounds.

The case has triggered strong reactions from the Croatian government, with Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina condemning the alleged wrongdoing.

“We strongly condemn such unacceptable actions that undermine the reputation and integrity of the entire sports system,” Glavina said in a statement.

He described the case as particularly damaging for Croatian sport and expressed concern about its broader impact.

“Such actions are harmful to all its stakeholders and require clear determination of responsibility,” he said, adding that athletes would bear the consequences.

“I am terribly disappointed because I know what efforts we are making… to ensure the best possible conditions for our athletes,” Glavina said.

The minister said the government would seek full clarity on the case and take further action if necessary. “We insist and demand that all the facts be absolutely established through this investigation,” he said.

The Croatian Ski Association has received significant public funding in recent years, including €15.9mn channelled through the Croatian Olympic Committee since 2016, according to the ministry.

Glavina noted that no irregularities had previously been reported by oversight bodies but said additional checks would now be carried out.