Central Bank of BiH: We are at the disposal of investigative bodies

(Patria) - Regarding the reports that have appeared in several media outlets, stating that an investigation has been launched against the Governor of the Central Bank of BiH, Senad Softić, we are addressing the media and the public with the following statement:

Any citizen of BiH has the right to file a criminal complaint in case of suspicion of a criminal offense, and it is the obligation of the investigative bodies to verify it. However, elementary ignorance of the difference between "verifying the allegations in the complaint" and issuing an "order to conduct an investigation" confuses the wider public in BiH, and this is further an attempt to exert pressure on the work of this institution and cause reputational damage, portraying the Central Bank as an institution that does not respect the law, which we completely reject. The Central Bank of BiH is one of the institutions in this country that carries out its mandate responsibly and professionally, in accordance with regulations, although we are aware that this is unfortunately an obstacle for many in this country.

Therefore, the information that an investigation is being conducted against the Governor or any official of the Central Bank by the Prosecutor's Office of BiH is incorrect. Regarding the specific cases mentioned, investigative bodies are verifying the allegations from the criminal complaint, which in no way constitutes the initiation of an investigation and the conduct of criminal proceedings. No investigation or criminal proceedings have been initiated against the Governor or any other official of the Central Bank of BiH.

The Central Bank of BiH fully and openly stands at the disposal of investigative bodies, including the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), to which it submitted extremely extensive documentation and information a few days ago regarding the matters of interest to the investigative bodies, which describe in detail and fully transparently the way of working and decision-making in this institution.
On several occasions, this institution has already pointed out in its previous statements the fact that unfounded criminal complaints are filed against responsible persons, and we are fully aware of the intentions and pressure that are sought to be achieved in this way. However, the Central Bank has not succumbed to pressures for personal gain, intertwined with political pressures and the achievement of set agendas, nor will it in the future, and the decisions made will always be solely and exclusively in the interest of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in accordance with applicable laws," stated the Central Bank of BiH.