Federal USKOK to be located in Privredna banka building in Sarajevo

(Patria) - The FBiH Government, in a telephone session, adopted a conclusion determining that the federal USKOK will be located in the Privredna banka building in the center of Sarajevo, writes Istraga.ba.

"The offer from 'EURO STAN' d.o.o. Istočno Novo Sarajevo dated 30.08.2024 for business premises in Sarajevo, Alipašina street 6, on the second floor of the building, with an area of 697.05 m2, is accepted," states the FBiH Government's conclusion.

The premises where the federal USKOK will be located will cost the Government 31.50 KM/m2 + VAT. They are leased for a period of five years, starting from 1.10.2024.

Previously, the proposal was for the federal USKOK to be located in the 'Walter' hotel building, formerly 'Emiran'. However, resolving the legal status of this hotel would require some time, as would adapting the premises for the new purpose.

At the same time, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH postponed the decision on the election of judges and prosecutors who are to lead or be engaged in this special department. The appointment was postponed because the Government had not yet made a decision on the accommodation facility for the federal USKOK.

The establishment of this department of the federal prosecutor's office has its political background, given that it is one of the priorities of the US Embassy in BiH.

As Istraga.ba learns, the US Ambassador will organize meetings next week with the Working Group responsible for supporting the implementation of the Law on Combating Corruption and Organized Crime in FBiH to speed up the establishment of this special department.

However, this is not in the interest of the president of HDZ BiH, Dragan Čović, as it would mean judicial control over cantons with a Croatian majority, especially concerning economic crime and corruption.