The coastal octopus of fictitious claims has turned over some 20 million euros

A local business in Primorska has been accused of orchestrating a scheme involving fictitious claims worth approximately 20 million euros. The case has drawn attention from business circles, with one unnamed entrepreneur commenting that the incident highlights how deeply some businesses have become entangled in such activities. According to this individual, criminal activity along the coast has made buyers of claims more cautious, with banks among those who have realized they purchased fictitious claims. The sale of these fake claims is believed to have occurred over several years, with estimates suggesting the total amount could range from 15 to 20 million euros. The scheme reportedly began unraveling when one buyer discovered the fraud and blocked the accounts of companies within the network, leading to a confrontation with the Luka Koper company, which refused to pay a debt claimed by the firm. One of the more profitable ventures on the coast involves providing foreign workers for Luka Koper’s automobile terminal, where vehicles from over twenty global manufacturers are handled. At the end of 2024, Luka Koper, under the leadership of Nevenka Kržan, once again issued a tender for port services at the terminal, extending until mid-2028. Five companies were selected, including Humade, owned by Denis Humar. In 2024, Humade generated over 1.2 million euros in net profit before its management unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy in March of this year. Two other companies, which will be discussed further, also decided to file for bankruptcy around the same time. Recently, the portal Necenzurirano revealed that the operations at Luka Koper after Humade were taken over by a consortium of companies known as Acura Group and IstraAvto. Behind both firms lies a well-known coastal businessman, Sebastjan Vežnaver. There are additional points of contact with Vežnaver. Besides the lucrative business of vehicle handling, two luxury cars belonging to Humade have recently come into the possession of Vežnaver's companies. These vehicles, which are not in the bankruptcy list, are reportedly being used by Vežnaver's companies, according to our sources from the coast. One of them is a Mercedes G-class Brabus, priced from over 350,000 euros, while the other is a Porsche with one of the most powerful engines in Slovenia, boasting around 1,000 horsepower. Vežnaver explained that he became aware of these individuals during their bankruptcy proceedings, when he was resolving his own claims. He clarified that the mentioned automobiles are not his property but belong to a seaside villa, rented out by the companies of his family, just as they were previously rented by Humade. The story of the “coastal trio” has gained considerable traction beyond the coast, as many individuals, including banks, have fallen victim to the fictitious claims scheme that operated for a long period. While the exact number of fictitious claims sold to different buyers is still unknown, our sources estimate the figure to be between 15 and 20 million euros. The police in Koper are also investigating the matter, though they have not disclosed who filed the complaint or on what basis the preliminary investigation started. Setting aside the luxurious cars, we turn our focus to the situation following the bankruptcy of Humade. Financial accounting services for all three companies were carried out by the same person. Almost simultaneously with the bankruptcy of Humade, two other companies, Venca Vojo and Globus&Histria, also decided to file for bankruptcy. These companies are described by our sources as part of the “coastal trio,” the actual network of fictitious claim schemes. This collaboration is confirmed through documentation stored in the office records. One of the creditors, who registered a mortgage on the assets of Humade, also commented on the situation. He stated that everything was clear, the companies were selling fictitious claims to secure liquidity. We noticed this and blocked their accounts, after which the matter began to unfold, and they even adjusted their financial statements. One of the Osmolj residents, who had a mortgage on one of the properties of Humade, shared similar insights.