**Police Investigate Potential Criminal Offense in Land Sale Involving Serbian Businessman**
The Slovenian police are investigating a potential criminal offense related to the sale of land in Ljubljana, which was purchased by Serbian businessman Nikola Petrovic last year. The investigation is based on information published by N1 Slovenia, a local news outlet.
According to reports, Petrovic’s company, NG Projekt, bought almost a hectare of land in Ljubljana’s Trnovo district for €3.3 million. What raises suspicions, however, is that the same plots had been offered for sale in 2021 and 2022 at a starting price of nearly €4.2 million, but no buyers came forward. The price dropped significantly to €2.68 million when Petrovic’s company bid on it.
**Connections to Organised Crime and Sanctioned Individuals**
Petrovic has connections with members of organised crime groups and is personally acquainted with the mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Jankovic. This relationship raises eyebrows, especially since Petrovic is known to have ties with individuals involved in organised crime or closely associated with criminal groups.
One of these associates, Zvonko Veselinovic, was sanctioned by the United States in 2021 for allegedly leading an organized crime group involved in bribery and trafficking. Another associate, Milan Radoicic, also faces US sanctions and was involved in a deadly armed attack in Kosovo last year.
**Money Source Under Scrutiny**
The investigation is not only looking into the sale of land but also into Petrovic’s financial dealings. As sole owner of several companies in Serbia, it remains unclear how he financed the Ljubljana land purchase, particularly since there are no mortgages on the properties. Whether Slovenia’s anti-money laundering prevention office is investigating this aspect remains unknown.
**Security Services Monitoring Foreign Influence**
Slovenia’s parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Intelligence and Security Services (KNOVS) held a session last week to discuss foreign influence on the country’s economic security and sovereignty, including foreign investments that may pose a national security risk. While details from the closed-door session are not publicly available, it appears that the agency is scrutinizing last year’s land purchases in Trnovo by foreign actors, including Petrovic.
The investigation into Petrovic’s land sale highlights concerns about foreign influence on Slovenia’s economic security and sovereignty. As the country continues to monitor potential national security risks, the police investigation into this case will likely shed more light on these issues.
**Commentary**
This case raises serious questions about the sale of land in Ljubljana and the connections between Petrovic and individuals involved in organised crime. The fact that he was the sole bidder at an auction where the price had dropped significantly suggests possible irregularities.
Furthermore, Petrovic’s ties to sanctioned individuals and his financial dealings remain unclear, which only adds to the suspicions surrounding this case. As the investigation continues, it will be essential to uncover more information about Petrovic’s finances and his connections to organised crime groups.
**Deeper Analysis**
The sale of land in Ljubljana raises broader concerns about foreign influence on Slovenia’s economic security and sovereignty. The country’s intelligence agency is monitoring potential national security risks, including foreign investments that may pose a risk to the country’s interests.
This case highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight in land sales, particularly when foreign actors are involved. As the investigation continues, it will be essential to address these concerns and ensure that Slovenia’s economic security and sovereignty are protected.
In conclusion, the police investigation into Petrovic’s land sale is a crucial step towards uncovering potential irregularities and ensuring that Slovenia’s interests are protected.
