60 Locations Searched: 100 kg of Gold, Silver, and Jewelry Seized, Detention Requested for Three Individuals

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The BiH Prosecutor's Office has requested pre-trial detention and prohibition measures for four individuals arrested in the "Golden Karat" operation, in which over 100 kilograms of gold, silver, and jewelry, valued at more than 3.5 million KM, were seized.

After questioning the suspects, the acting prosecutor from the Special Department for Organized Crime, Economic Crime, and Corruption will submit a request for pre-trial detention for 3 suspects to the BiH Court. Detention will be requested due to the reasons described in Article 132, points a) and b) of the Criminal Procedure Code of BiH, namely the risk of flight and the risk that the suspects might obstruct the investigation, conceal evidence, or influence witnesses or accomplices if released.

For one suspect, a prohibition measure will be proposed, which includes a ban on contact with suspects and witnesses in the case.

As part of the extensive operation codenamed "Golden Karat", conducted over the past 2 days at approximately 60 locations across BiH, with the work of several police agencies and tax institutions, about 60 kilograms of gold, 45 kilograms of silver, around 2,000 pieces of various jewelry valued at over 3.5 million KM, as well as cash amounting to 60,000 KM, 40,000 euros, 6 pistols, and several jewelry marking stamps were seized and temporarily confiscated.

The individuals under investigation are suspected of smuggling large quantities of gold and silver jewelry, evading customs and tax duties, and distributing jewelry on the illegal market, outside of legally prescribed and established procedures. The BiH Prosecutor's Office thanks SIPA, the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH, and all police agencies and tax administrations that participated in the joint operation "Golden Karat".