National Police Director Oliver Grbic has confirmed that the Interior Ministry was one of the clients of the private Fimi Media company which is now under investigation on suspicion of receiving millions of kuna from state companies and agencies in rigged tenders for public contracts.
"This is a big test for the police and I have been aware since day one that we must prove our trustworthiness," Grbic said on Friday after a meeting in the Interior Ministry, while responding to reporters' questions about media reports that former Interior Minister Ivica Kirin, who is the current mayor of Virovitica, is also suspected of having been involved in dealings with Fimi Media.
Grbic said the Interior Ministry was only one of Fimi Media's clients and that some contracts were inked for road transport security.
"This criminal inquiry is nearing completion and I believe that the former minister and all who participated in preparing documents for signing will have an opportunity to give their explanation. However, I am aware that we must show the trustworthiness of the police organisation in this case," Grbic said.
The investigation covers a total of 22 public companies and ministries, including the Interior Ministry.
Virovitica Mayor Kirin was not available for comment on Friday morning.
