In a recent incident that has sparked political controversy in the Požeško-Slavonska County, members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have demanded answers regarding a financial fraud that resulted in losses amounting to several hundred thousand euros from the county's budget. The incident occurred when officials were deceived via email into making a transaction, leading to significant financial damage. This event has led to a heated debate between the ruling party, HDZ, and the opposition SDP over accountability and transparency in local governance.
The fraud was discovered on June 12th, when the county administration submitted a criminal complaint to the Požeško-Slavonska Police Department, suspecting the crime of fraud. According to available information, an unknown person used deceptive methods through electronic mail to mislead employees, who then carried out a monetary transaction, causing damage to the county’s budget. Following this revelation, SDP members left the session of the County Assembly in protest, expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of clear information about the exact amount of the loss, its origin, the circumstances under which the payment was made to the wrong account, and potential consequences for the county budget.
SDP officials accused the mayor, Antonija Jozić, of refusing to take political responsibility and explain the situation to the public, considering it as irresponsible management of the county. They also expressed concern about the possible impact of the damage on the funding of county programs and projects, emphasizing that the reallocation of this year's budget was also on the agenda of the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, Jozić informed attendees that the county had immediately filed a criminal complaint after discovering the fraud and that an investigation was underway. She stated that she would inform the public about all details once it became permissible, noting that according to the Law on Criminal Procedure, proceedings during an investigation are confidential, and providing any information about the subject of the investigation could be a criminal offense. Jozić also asserted that despite the loss of money due to the fraud, the financial operations of the Požeško-Slavonska County were not compromised.
Meanwhile, the SDP has called for greater transparency and accountability. In a statement signed by Saborska representative and president of the Požeško-Slavonska SDP, Martina Vlašić Iljkić, the SDP requested the mayor to disclose the exact amount of the damage caused by the fraud, arguing that citizens have not received sufficient information about the case. Vlašić Iljkić questioned whether the mayor would take personal political responsibility for the fact that the county budget was damaged by several hundred thousand euros and how the stolen money would be returned to citizens. She also raised concerns about the functioning of internal control systems and financial security within the county administration.
Vlašić Iljkić further demanded clarification on how changes in banking details were not additionally verified outside of electronic communication, what controls were active at the time of payment, and who approved the controversial transaction. She also called for an urgent independent audit of similar transactions, strengthening security protocols in financial operations, and political responsibility from all responsible parties, including Jozić herself.
In response, Mayor Jozić rejected the accusations from the SDP, stating that her priority was finding the perpetrator and completing the investigation. She claimed that the main task of the opposition was to criticize, attack, and speculate, adding that it was evident that this was more important to them than finding the culprit. Jozić emphasized that politicians should know the legal provisions that do not allow the disclosure of details that might affect the course of the investigation. She assured that the county would provide accurate and complete information to the public once such disclosure no longer endangered the investigation and after the competent institutions completed their investigative activities. Jozić also noted that the county administration continued to carry out all regular and planned activities despite the incident.
The incident has also drawn attention from experts and officials regarding the mechanisms of such frauds. Experts explained that these types of frauds often occur through compromising business electronic mail, either by sending emails pretending to be from a trusted person or by monitoring business communications between the executor and the payer of a contract and changing the account details at a crucial moment. These actions can lead to funds being transferred to accounts they were not supposed to go to. Officials, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, have warned that everyone dealing with payments must carefully verify the details, especially if there is a change in the account number.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the perpetrator and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The county is conducting both internal checks and cooperating with the police to trace the flow of money, although cybercriminals often use various methods to hide their tracks, making the search challenging. Experts recommend additional verification before each suspicious payment as the best protection against such fraud. The outcome of this incident will likely influence future policies and procedures aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures and financial oversight within local governments.
11 reports
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 95Objective 8520 days agoMembers of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the County Assembly of Požega-Slavonia left a meeting in protest after failing to receive answers from County Governor Antonija Jozić regarding a recent fraud case that damaged the county budget by several hundred thousand euros. The police reported that officials submitted a criminal complaint on June 12th due to suspected fraud. According to available information, an unknown person misled officials through email, leading them to make a financial transaction that caused damage to the county budget. After the meeting, the SDP stated they did not获
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents the SDP members' actions as a justified protest against perceived negligence and lack of accountability by the governing authority (Antonija Jozić). The framing emphasizes criticism of the governor's refusal to provide transparency and details about the fraud incident, which is
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports the incident of fraud affecting the budget, citing police statements and the SDP's response. It provides specific details like the date of the report and the nature of the fraud. However, it leans slightly towards the SDP's perspective by emphasizing their criticism of
Telegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7522 days agoThe SDP is demanding accountability from HDZ mayor Antonija Jozić following a fraud case that caused damage to the Požeško-Slavonska county budget, estimated at several hundred thousand euros. The fraud involved an unknown individual deceiving officials through false information via email, leading to a financial transaction. The SDP has called for transparency regarding the exact amount of the loss and for Jozić to take personal political responsibility. Jozić has responded by emphasizing that her priority is completing the investigation and identifying those responsible, while dismissing the责
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the SDP's demands and the mayor's response without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both parties and does not use biased language or selectively omit context.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Highly factual and aligned with cross-source consensus. Maintains neutrality in presenting both sides of the political response.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7522 days agoThe article reports on a fraud case involving the Požeško-Slavonska County administration, where hundreds of thousands of euros were stolen through a fake email. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is demanding political accountability from the county mayor, Antonija Jozić (HDZ), while she denies wrongdoing and emphasizes the need to complete the investigation and find the perpetrators. The police have been informed of the incident, and a criminal report has been filed.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the accusations by the SDP and the denial by the mayor without overtly favoring either side. It provides factual details about the fraud and the responses from different parties involved, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Very factual and objective, providing clear details without emotional language. Aligns well with other reports.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 7022 days ago After the fraud, the SDP seeks the responsibility of the mayor JozićThe Social Democratic Party (SDP) is demanding political accountability from Mayor Antonija Jozić following a fraud incident that caused damage to the budget of the Požega-Slavonia County worth several hundred thousand euros. The police reported that officials from the county submitted a criminal report on June 12th regarding suspected fraud. According to available information, an unknown person misled officials through false facts presented via email, leading them to carry out a financial transaction. The SDP, through a statement signed by parliamentary representative and head of the local SD
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the accusations against the mayor by the SDP and the mayor's response without overtly favoring either side. It includes details from the police report and quotes from the SDP's demands while also mentioning the mayor's denial and emphasis on completing the investigation.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): Accurate reporting with alignment to other sources. Objectivity is moderate due to some political framing but remains largely neutral.
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7023 days agoThe Požeško-Slavonska County administration fell victim to a phishing scam, resulting in hundreds of thousands of euros being stolen from its account. Employees were tricked into making a financial transaction via a fake email. The exact amount lost has not been disclosed due to ongoing investigations. Local residents expressed shock and concern over the incident, with some criticizing the lack of awareness among people regarding such scams. The county has filed a criminal report with the police, who have passed it to the relevant state prosecution.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cybersecurity incident involving a local government without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It includes quotes from affected individuals and officials but does not favor any particular political perspective. The focus is on the event itself rather than any政治或
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): Accurate and neutral reporting, aligning with other sources. Maintains objectivity even when discussing political responses.
tportalIndependentProgressiveFactual 88Objective 6522 days agoThe police have informed that officials from the Požega-Slavonia County administration filed a criminal report with the local police on June 12, suspecting fraud. According to available information, an unknown person misled officials through false facts sent via email, leading them to perform a financial transaction that caused damage to the county budget amounting to several hundred thousand euros. The SDP, in a statement signed by parliamentary representative and head of the Požega-Slavonia SDP branch Martina Vlašić Iljkić, demands that mayor Antonija Jozić disclose the exact amount of the损害
Bias read (Progressive): The article focuses on the SDP demanding accountability from the mayor after a fraud incident involving the county budget. The framing emphasizes the need for transparency and responsibility from the mayor, which aligns with left-leaning priorities such as public accountability and institutional re-
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 65): Consistent with other reports, though slightly more biased in tone when describing the response from the mayor. Still maintains factual core.
tportalIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 6023 days ago A county lost hundreds of thousands of euros because of an e-mail: How could this have happened?The Požega-Slavonia County was defrauded of hundreds of thousands of euros through a phishing email scam. Officials were tricked into making a financial transaction by an unknown perpetrator who falsified information. The county has filed a criminal report with the police, who are continuing their investigation. The exact amount lost remains undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Local residents expressed frustration and concern over the incident.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a fraud case involving local officials without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It presents facts from multiple sources including the county mayor, citizens, and police statements, maintaining neutrality.
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 60): Provides detailed explanation of how the fraud occurred, aligning with other sources. However, the tone suggests a critical stance toward the mayor’s handling of the situation.
Index.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 87Objective 6022 days agoThe SDP is demanding political accountability from HDZ mayor Antonija Jozić following a fraud incident that caused damage to the Požeško-Slavonska municipality's budget by several hundred thousand euros. The police have been informed that officials from the municipality filed a criminal report on June 12th regarding suspected fraud. According to the local police, an unknown person misled officials through email, leading them to perform a financial transaction. The municipality has stated it is investigating all circumstances of the event and will take necessary measures to determine liability,
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the SDP's demand for political responsibility against the HDZ mayor, which indicates a framing that aligns with left-leaning political interests. The emphasis on holding the HDZ accountable suggests a potential bias toward the opposing political faction.
Why these scores (Factual 87 · Objective 60): Factual information presented with some community reactions that add subjective elements. The tone is somewhat critical of the mayor’s transparency.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9025 days ago The county found out hundreds of thousands of euros were missing from their accounts.The Požega-Slavonia County administration confirmed that hundreds of thousands of euros were stolen from their account through a fraud case. According to a police report, county officials were tricked into making a financial transaction via email.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a confirmed fraud case involving public funds without apparent ideological framing. It does not take a stance on the political implications of the theft or assign blame to any specific group. The focus is on the event itself rather than political interpretation.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the incident based on police statements and official communications from the municipality. It presents the facts without embellishment, though it does not provide specific details about the suspect or the exact amount lost. The tone remains neutral and focused on the p
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 6522 days agoThe SDP is demanding political responsibility from Mayor Antonija Jozić following a fraud incident that caused damage of several hundred thousand euros to the Požega-Slavonia County budget. The police have been informed that officials from the county submitted a criminal report on June 12th regarding suspected fraud. According to available information, an unknown person misled officials through false facts presented via email, leading them to perform a financial transaction. The SDP, through a statement signed by parliamentary representative and head of the local SDP branch Martina Vlašić Iljč
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the SDP's demands and the mayor's response without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the situation factually, including details from the police and the SDP's statement, while also noting the mayor's rejection of accusations and her emphasis on completing theinvest
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): Good factual content but includes quotes from citizens that may introduce subjective perspectives. Tone leans towards criticism of local governance.
Telegram.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 6023 days ago A story the authorities want to downplay: who is it and how did they fall for a fake email and pay hundreds of thousands of euros to scammers in the HDZ mayor's office?The article reports on an alleged fraud case involving the Požeško-Slavonska County administration, where officials reportedly fell victim to a phishing scam and transferred hundreds of thousands of euros to scammers. The county has issued a statement informing the public about the incident, describing it as a criminal act of fraud. However, the article criticizes the tone of the county's communication, suggesting it downplays the severity of the situation by presenting it as a minor mistake rather than a significant financial loss.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the incident as a significant mismanagement issue within the HDZ-affiliated local government, using critical language toward the county's handling of the situation. It implies negligence or cover-up by the administration, which aligns with a left-leaning critique of conservative (
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 60): Factual accuracy is high as it aligns with cross-source reports on the fraud incident. However, the article uses emotionally charged language ('skandal') and downplays the severity by calling it a 'nepravilnošću', showing bias.
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