Telegram learns: African parish priestess and HDZ top didn't want to explain how several hundred thousand euros disappeared from her account

A financial scandal has erupted in Požega-Slavonia county after several hundred thousand euros were stolen from its budget via an internet scam. The incident has sparked political debate and accusations against the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, as well as questions about the transparency of local governance. The scandal came to light when the county's mayor, Antonija Jozić, issued an official statement confirming that a criminal act of fraud had been committed, resulting in a significant financial loss. According to the statement, an unknown person tricked officials into making a large electronic payment, leading to the disappearance of hundreds of thousands of euros from the county’s funds.

The controversy was further fueled by comments made by SDP representative Martina Vlašić Iljkić during a parliamentary session. She questioned why such scams seem to target HDZ members specifically, citing previous incidents involving other HDZ officials. Vlašić Iljkić pointed to past cases where HDZ politicians had suffered similar losses, including Marin Mandarić in Đakovo who lost 50,000 euros and Ivica Kirin in Virovitica who reportedly lost over two million euros, which were never recovered. She suggested that these repeated incidents indicate that HDZ officials might be easier targets for cybercriminals, raising concerns about their vulnerability and the lack of accountability within the party.

Vlašić Iljkić also criticized the current situation, asking whether Jozić herself would resign and whether Prime Minister Andrej Plenković should apologize for the incompetence of his county administrator. She emphasized that citizens should not bear the consequences of poor management and called for greater responsibility among local leaders. Her remarks were met with strong opposition from HDZ representatives, who defended Jozić and accused her critics of using the situation to attack her while an investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the police have remained tight-lipped about the details of the case, stating that they must protect the confidentiality of the investigation under legal provisions. They confirmed receiving statements from employees involved but did not disclose whether devices or computers were seized. The investigation into the missing funds has been taken over by the State Judicial Administration (USKOK), though no official information has been released yet. It remains unclear how much money was stolen or how exactly the fraud occurred.

In response to the scandal, HDZ representatives have attempted to shift blame onto the government, suggesting that the increased taxes imposed on families renting property could be seen as an anti-inflation measure. However, this argument has faced criticism, with some questioning how increasing costs for working families can help reduce inflation. HDZ member Anđelka Salopek defended the government, highlighting Croatia's economic resilience despite global challenges and attributing success to responsible fiscal policies and effective use of European Union funds.

Other political figures have raised additional issues, with Most representative Ante Kujundžić calling for changes in legislation regarding attacks on police officers, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for law enforcement personnel. Meanwhile, Možemo! representative Urša Raukar Gamulin warned about neglect towards the Osijek National Theatre, stressing the importance of preserving cultural institutions and ensuring adequate funding.

As the investigation continues, the public awaits more detailed information about the extent of the fraud and the actions being taken to address it. The situation highlights broader concerns about cybersecurity, governmental oversight, and the responsibilities of local officials in managing public finances. With no clear resolution in sight, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in digital transactions and the need for improved safeguards to prevent future occurrences.