The police did not act properly and quickly enough

The police failed to act properly and quickly enough in response to reports of a fake officer working at Ljubljana’s Brnik Airport, according to a government ministry report cited by the newspaper Večer. The fake officer was identified and arrested nearly two months after initial information about him came to light. According to the report, the fake officer had participated in at least 16 official police procedures between April 2024 and September 2025 while posing as a genuine police officer. He operated under the guise of a helper officer and was dressed in uniform-like clothing, which he obtained through an online marketplace called Bolha. His equipment differed from that used by real officers, yet he managed to pass unnoticed due to his prior experience as a security worker at the airport. The first indication of the fake officer's presence emerged on September 30, 2025, when internal records noted the possibility of a fraudulent individual operating within the airport’s security framework. This information was deemed credible and sensitive, limiting access to a small group of officials. Despite this, no internal investigation was initiated, nor were higher authorities informed. It wasn’t until October 9 that further details surfaced, prompting a second review. On October 15, the airport’s police station identified the suspect through photographs of an accident scene, where he had been assisting with securing the area. At that point, he was arrested after being found in possession of a falsified ID card, a gas pistol, and a notebook detailing his activities. According to the ministry report, the fake officer had engaged in multiple procedures involving restricted areas of the airport, including administrative tasks typically reserved for authorized personnel. The report highlighted serious lapses in oversight, particularly regarding legal procedures. The suspect was not detained under proper legal grounds, and necessary documents were not completed accurately. The decision by the shift commander at the Kranj Police Station, along with the specialized state prosecutor and the Kranj District Prosecutor, resulted in the failure to conduct home searches or seize electronic devices. The specialized state prosecutor took over the case on November 5, but received the documentation nine days later, which the overseers described as improper. Further complications arose from the fact that the suspect had previously worked as a security officer at the airport, giving him insight into its operations and staff. When he attempted to join the police force, he submitted applications twice, once for employment conditions and once for enrollment in police training, but was rejected both times. As a result, the airport’s police station issued warnings to those who might have collaborated with him, citing potential fraud in reporting damage to a police vehicle. These warnings were directed to the commandant of the airport police station, Jurij Lešnjak, who remained in his position despite the allegations. The report also pointed out that the suspect’s equipment, purchased via Bolha, did not match the standard gear used by actual officers. However, due to his familiarity with the airport environment, he was able to operate undetected for over a year. The lack of thorough checks and the delayed response from law enforcement raised concerns about systemic failures in monitoring and accountability. While the final decision by the prosecutor’s office has not yet been made public, the findings suggest a need for improved protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.