CroatiaFormer Split mayor and entrepreneur Željko Kerum was arrested on Wednesday in Velika Luča as part of an operation related to the 'Konoba Pršut' scandal. The arrest has sparked memories of his controversial career, which saw him rise from poverty in Dalmatia to becoming a symbol of transitional success, political power, and spectacular business downfall. His life story, beginning in the village of Ogorje and moving to Split in 1974, includes working as a mining equipment operator, later serving in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and eventually establishing a successful retail empire through ventures like the Joker shopping center. At the height of his wealth, he employed over 1,000 people and had an estimated net worth of 200 million euros. However, his business success did not satisfy him, leading to further ambitions that ultimately led to legal troubles.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of Kerum's life and career, highlighting both his achievements and controversies without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It describes his rise to power, business ventures, and eventual legal issues without taking a clear ideological position
