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Alta Bank owner detained for 30 days as billions vanish

Davor Macura, the owner of Alta Bank, has been remanded in custody for 30 days following an investigation into the disappearance of 45 billion dinars. The bank's license was revoked shortly before the arrest, a sequence of events that has left regulators and depositors alike looking for answers.

An Air Serbia flight to Moscow carrying three prominent officials—Aleksandar Vulin, Dušan Bajatović, and Nenad Popović—was diverted back to Belgrade over Lithuania for what the airline called security checks. Mr Vulin claimed he slept through the detour; Mr Bajatović claimed he was traveling to discuss gas supplies and Alta Bank. They reached Moscow on the second attempt.

The government is also being asked to explain why a list of presidential pardons remained hidden for a month. The list reportedly includes a former interior ministry official and individuals who attacked students. It is a busy week for those interested in Serbian justice, as a new anti-corruption report simultaneously details how the ruling party allegedly used state resources to influence recent elections.

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Alta Bank Owner Detained in Embezzlement Probe

Davor Macura, the owner of Alta Bank, and two others have been formally detained for up to 30 days in connection with the alleged embezzlement of approximately 45 billion dinars from the bank. This action follows the National Bank of Serbia's revocation of Alta Bank's operating license and the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings, with investigations focusing on unauthorized cash withdrawals from the bank's vault.

Serbian Officials' Diverted Flight to Moscow Prompts Explanations

An Air Serbia flight to Moscow, carrying former Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, Srbijagas Director Dušan Bajatović, and Minister without portfolio Nenad Popović, was diverted over Lithuania and returned to Belgrade for additional security checks on one passenger before departing again for its destination. Vulin stated his trip was for business, while Bajatović cited gas supply issues and Alta Bank problems as reasons for his travel.

Calls for Institutional Reform and Transparency on Pardons

Ongoing questions surround the secrecy of presidential pardons issued by former President Aleksandar Vučić, particularly those involving Dijana Hrkalović and individuals linked to student attacks. Separately, discussions are advancing on the implementation of lustration or vetting processes as crucial tools for reforming Serbian institutions and ensuring transitional justice.

Scrutiny on Former Officials and Alleged Election Misconduct

An inquiry has been launched into the whereabouts of Siniša Mali, who is considered a key candidate to become a protected witness against the previous government. This comes amidst a report from the Agency for Prevention of Corruption detailing how officials from the Serbian Progressive Party allegedly abused their positions in the period leading up to the recent elections.

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