Croatian Olympic official arrested in ski federation corruption case

A Croatian Olympic Committee official was arrested on Thursday over alleged corruption, local media reported, in the latest development in a graft scandal at the country's ski federation.

State-run HINA news agency reported that police arrested Damir Segota, director of the committee's Olympic programme, and his wife. Local media photographed Segota being escorted by investigators. HINA also reported that Segota's office was searched, along with the office of committee secretary general Sinisa Krajac.

The anti-corruption prosecutors' office confirmed that searches and arrests had taken place, but did not identify those involved. It said prosecutors would decide on further steps after questioning.

According to local media, Segota is suspected of taking bribes to release Olympic funds to the national ski federation illegally. The Croatian Olympic Committee said it was fully cooperating with authorities and would comply with their requests. It said Krajac had been questioned as a witness, not as a suspect, and that no criminal proceedings had been opened against him.

The case is linked to allegations that former alpine ski director Vedran Pavlek led a scheme that siphoned off nearly 30 million euros, or $35 million, from the national ski federation. Investigators are seeking Pavlek's extradition from Kazakhstan.

Prosecutors opened an investigation in March into six people, including Pavlek, who has remained in Kazakhstan. The scandal led long-time Olympic Committee head Zlatko Matesa to resign, saying he wanted to allow transparent clarification of issues around the distribution and use of public funds handled by the committee.

Pavlek's period in charge included Croatia's most successful era in skiing, when siblings Janica and Ivica Kostelic won 10 Olympic medals.

Thursday's operation followed reports that the former ski federation secretary general, who is also a suspect in the case, had provided prosecutors with details about the alleged crimes.

Sports Minister Tonci Glavina condemned any illegal conduct that may have occurred. He told reporters that authorities had an interest in a thorough investigation and in sanctions for anyone found responsible.

Tackling graft was a condition for Croatia's entry into the European Union in 2013, but corruption remains described in the source as endemic.