Following Vučić's downfall, the owner withdrew more than 380 million euros from the bank

Info360IndependentProgressiveNov 3

Serbian prosecutors investigating organized crime have arrested three individuals, including Altabanka owner Davor Macura, alleging they illegally diverted approximately 380 million euros from the bank's vaults. The bank, which held a market share of roughly 2.8 percent in Serbia, was placed into bankruptcy proceedings after regulators discovered that its reported financial data did not reflect its actual condition. Four deputy governors of the National Bank of Serbia publicly stated they were unaware of the true situation until an emergency meeting, demanding an inquiry into who knew of the risks and whether supervisory measures were timely. Former Governor Kori Udoviciki suggested that political changes following parliamentary elections created fear among those involved in controversial dealings, triggering a chain reaction of events. Analysts had previously warned about the bank's unusually high cash levels, which constituted nearly 40 percent of its total assets, despite official data showing relatively stable operations.

Bias read (Progressive): The inclusion of former governor commentary attributing the crisis to political shifts and the focus on regulatory accountability imply systemic failures linked to the current political environment rather than isolated criminal acts.

DnevnikIndependent🔒CenterNov 2

The Serbian National Bank revoked the banking license of Alta Bank over the weekend due to significantly deteriorated financial conditions and liquidity risks. Following the revocation, state prosecutors detained owner Davor Macura and two bank employees for 48 hours, alleging they removed approximately 380 million euros in cash from the bank's vault in recent days. The central bank stated that the measure ensures assets remain under control to protect depositors, noting that Serbia guarantees individual deposits up to 50,000 euros, lower than the EU standard of 100,000 euros. Four vice-governors of the Serbian National Bank issued a statement claiming they were only informed of the bank's true financial status during the Friday evening board meeting, which differed sharply from previous reports submitted by the bank.

Bias read (Center): The article relies exclusively on official statements from the central bank and prosecutors regarding the license revocation and detention, presenting the allegations and regulatory actions without adding subjective commentary or partisan framing.

Siol.netState / PublicConservativeNov 2

Serbian police detained entrepreneur Davor Macura, owner of Bank Alta, along with two other individuals after searching the bank's premises for over 30 hours. The Serbian National Bank (NBS) revoked Bank Alta's operating license and placed it under supervised bankruptcy proceedings to protect depositors and maintain financial stability. Prosecutors allege that the suspects misappropriated approximately 382.8 million euros from the bank's vault through unauthorized actions. Macura, described as close to the outgoing ruling party, recently expanded his business empire by acquiring shares in major retail chains including Idea Marketi. Opposition politicians accused the NBS governor, a member of the ruling party, of irregularly approving a large currency conversion request shortly after recent elections.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses aggressive language ('severe blow') and explicitly frames the corporate scandal as a direct consequence of the incumbent leader's political connections and alleged regulatory favoritism.

Svet24IndependentProgressiveNov 2

Seven days after the electoral defeat of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, police detained Davor Macura, owner of Bank Alta, along with two bank employees. They are suspected of unauthorized access to the bank vault, resulting in the theft of approximately 382.8 million euros. The National Bank of Serbia subsequently revoked Bank Alta’s operating license and placed it under supervised bankruptcy proceedings to protect depositors. Opposition leader Marinika Tepić had previously accused Macura of organized crime and money laundering during her campaign. Additionally, opposition figures alleged that the central bank governor approved a large currency conversion request by the bank shortly after the election.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the detention within the context of the ruling party's electoral defeat and highlights opposition accusations against both the businessman and the central bank governor, emphasizing systemic corruption linked to the previous administration.

DeloIndependent🔒ProgressiveNov 2

Serbian police detained entrepreneur Davor Macura, owner of Bank Alta, along with two other individuals after investigating the bank's premises for over 30 hours. The Serbian National Bank (NBS) revoked Bank Alta's operating license and placed it under supervised bankruptcy proceedings to protect depositors and maintain financial stability. Prosecutors allege that the suspects misappropriated approximately 45 billion dinars (roughly 382.8 million euros) from the bank's vaults through abuse of position. Macura, described as close to the outgoing ruling party, had recently expanded his business empire by acquiring shares in major retail chains. The decision to revoke the license followed accusations that the NBS governor approved a large currency conversion request shortly after recent elections, deviating from standard procedures.

Bias read (Progressive): The article explicitly frames the crisis around the owner's proximity to the ruling SNS party and highlights opposition allegations regarding irregular regulatory decisions made immediately after elections.