Bosnian police detain 54 suspected of corruption in tax offices, including former director

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Bosnian prosecutors say police have detained 54 people — including some 30 customs and taxation officers — on suspicion of corruption and organized crime.

Prosecution spokesman Boris Grubesic said Wednesday that the former director of the Indirect Taxation Authority is among the detained and that the suspects are also under investigation for customs and tax evasion, money laundering and abuse of office.

He said the suspects allegedly made millions and their assets are also being inspected for possible confiscation.

The head of the workers union of the Indirect Taxation Authority, Mehmedalija Osmic, told media the operation will allow the institution to function normally and that it is a victory of “justice and of honest people in Bosnia.”

Transparency International lists Bosnia among the most corrupt countries in Europe.