Kafedžić: 94 people resigned due to dual functions, we discovered 126 diploma forgers

(Patria) - On the occasion of one year since the application of the Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in Sarajevo Canton, the head of the Office for the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption of Sarajevo Canton, Erduan Kafedžić, presented the results of the work.

He stated that 94 people resigned from dual public office, the majority voluntarily, and a smaller number after proceedings were initiated.

"During the past year, the Office received more than 600 reports. 400 relate to reporting corruption, as well as other irregularities in employment, abuse of official position and public funds," said the head of the Office.

Kafedžić said that a register of fixed-term contracts, on which millions of amounts are spent, will soon be available.

Under the Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in KS, seven whistleblowers have been granted the status of protected whistleblowers.

When asked by journalists how many investigations have been initiated and indictments filed based on the Office's reports, Kafedžić stated that they have identified 126 diploma forgers.

"So far, we have punished over 330 politicians for failing to report assets, we have identified 126 individuals who forged diplomas, and we have filed as many criminal charges. Dozens of people have been convicted of forgery. We have filed dozens of criminal charges for other anomalies and expect other institutions to act adequately, such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs of KS and the KS Prosecutor's Office. We often find ourselves having done everything within our power, and then we wait for other institutions," said Kafedžić.

He emphasized that in Sarajevo Canton, there are 11,000 public office holders to whom this law applies.

Kafedžić presented an interesting thesis that due to the Office's work, it appears that corruption is most present in Sarajevo, and he called on other cantonal offices to follow their example.

US Deputy Ambassador Deborah Mennuti said it is important for BiH to improve its efforts in the fight against corruption.

"Widespread corruption includes the judiciary and undermines the fabric of BiH. Corruption causes young people to leave BiH. The good news is that by implementing the law and introducing consequences for those who abuse their positions, the Office has begun to bring about change. The Office plays a key role in preventing public officials from gaining personal benefit at the expense of Sarajevo citizens. We will continue to support the Office and believe it will inspire other offices," said Mennuti.

She pointed out that a law on conflict of interest was passed in FBiH 10 years ago, but there is no one to implement it.

"The Federation of BiH needs a legal framework to enable the fight against corruption. 10 years have passed since the federal law was adopted, but it has not been implemented," she said.

The Minister of Justice and Administration of KS, Darja Softić-Kadenić, said that this Law is still the only law of its kind in BiH that regulates conflict of interest, protection of whistleblowers, and strengthening of the public sector through strengthening integrity.
"The Office was ready and capacitated to start applying the law. The Ministry stands ready to proceed with amendments to this law where its provisions have proven unworkable," said Softić-Kadenić.

Julian Reilly, the British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that today's event is a welcome opportunity to mark the exceptional results achieved in the first year of the application of the Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in Sarajevo Canton.

“This law has shown its importance and effect. Although it addresses the unique challenges faced at the cantonal level in Sarajevo, the Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in Sarajevo Canton has also created an opportunity for other regions and levels of government. The law demonstrates the transformative power of legislation in fostering a corruption-free society. Together, we look forward to a future built on integrity, transparency, and trust. Truly positive initiatives will be noticed and supported by many, but unfortunately, they will be attacked by those whose status is being challenged by these initiatives. The UK government stands shoulder to shoulder with all those who show their determination in the fight against corruption and the protection of values that bring well-being to the citizens of this beautiful country,” said Ambassador Reilly.