VTC President Novković Saved Špirić from Criminal Liability

That the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina is not adequately fighting corruption is also evidenced by the case of Nikola Špirić (SNSD), Minister of Finance of BiH. Namely, the Agency for Investigations and Protection (SIPA) submitted a report to the Prosecutor's Office of BiH back in 2009 for confirmation regarding abuse of official position and authority, i.e., a committed criminal offense against eight individuals accused of participating in illegal activities related to the procurement of an Audi Q7 car for the needs of the then-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Nikola Špirić. Nikola Špirić was among the suspects.

Suspicious invoices were personally handed over to SIPA and the Prosecutor's Office of BiH by Špirić's then-deputy, Fuad Kasumović, who told the Patria News Agency that this case is just proof of how numerous cases against "big fish" are gathering dust in the Prosecutor's Office of BiH, waiting for the statute of limitations.  

- It is evident from the original invoices that the Brčko gas company's branch from Donji Žabar purchased the Audi Q7 car for 133,233 KM, only to sell it the same day to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of BiH for 219,900 KM. Therefore, there are grounds for suspicion that the state institutions' budget was damaged by 86,667 KM – says Kasumović.

He adds that he is disappointed by the fact that this case has not been resolved, even though the evidence for the committed criminal offense is undeniable. As NAP has learned, Špirić was intensively socializing with Milorad Novković, the president of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) at the time, who apparently helped him keep the case of the illegally procured luxury SUV in his desk drawer.

- I know that's what people said, and I saw them in restaurants. It is obvious that everything concerning politicians and their crimes is kept in drawers. That's how it's done, and cases are dropped with the excuse that they have more pressing matters. The case is registered, so we will see if it will ever be resolved – added Kasumović.

Špirić continues with his old practices even today, so it is interesting that, as the state Minister of Finance and Treasury, his total income surpasses that of other members of the Council of Ministers. His salary is 4,876 marks, and his total income is twice as high. 

But even that is not enough for Špirić, as recently published research and findings indicate that Špirić used budget funds to build a house in Drvar.