Additionally questioned by Paul's former associate: "Some will either not sleep peacefully or will be happy"

The Croatian intelligence agency USKOK has entered a new phase in its investigation into financial misconduct within the Croatian Ski Federation. According to reports from Dnevnik Nove TV, former head of the federation, Damir Raos, who was detained four months ago, has been re-interviewed and has expanded his defense. This marks a critical step forward in the ongoing probe, which has already uncovered substantial evidence of potential wrongdoing. During the initial interrogation, Raos did not provide an extensive account of his actions, and it remains unclear whether his latest statements will significantly influence the course of the investigation. Investigators continue to examine a list of names, some of which belong to prominent figures in the sporting world, that was found with Raos when he was apprehended at the end of January with approximately 120,000 euros in cash. Among the names listed are key officials from the Croatian Olympic Committee, including Sinisic Krajač and Damir Šegot. A separate part of the investigation focuses on analyzing items seized from the former president of the Croatian Ski Federation, Vedran Pavleks. These include a black notebook protected by a password, 25 bank cards, an internet banking reader, six mobile phones, a portable computer, ten USB drives, and an external hard drive. The seizure of these materials underscores the scale and complexity of the case, requiring meticulous forensic analysis. Main state prosecutor Ivan Turudic emphasized earlier this month that the investigation involves a large volume of work, necessitating detailed examination of all seized digital devices. He noted that the process requires both time and resources due to the nature of the evidence collected. Prosecutor Damir Primorac expressed optimism that results from digital forensics could reveal further grounds for expanding the investigation to new suspects or uncover additional criminal acts. “We see that many names are mentioned, and in this context, some individuals either won’t sleep peacefully or will finally feel relieved that their names no longer appear,” he remarked. The case has drawn attention beyond the immediate scope of the ski federation, highlighting broader concerns about corruption and financial mismanagement in sports organizations. As the investigation progresses, the outcomes could have far-reaching implications for the integrity of Croatian sports governance. With more information expected to emerge from the digital analysis, the situation remains under close scrutiny by legal authorities.