Décédé le célèbre entrepreneur Philippe, qui avait fait fortune en falsifiant des tests de Covid

A Slovenian entrepreneur accused of producing counterfeit COVID-19 tests has died in foreign territory, according to local media reports. Filip Mihalić, 27, was known for his involvement in a controversial business linked to the production and distribution of fake rapid antigen tests. He was the son of former HDZ parliamentary representative Andjelko Mihalić and had been under investigation by Croatian authorities since early December last year. Mihalić's career began during his high school years, when he started engaging in textile imports from China. However, his life took a different turn with the emergence of the pandemic, which led him into a criminal enterprise involving the manufacturing of counterfeit medical products. According to the indictment filed by the Croatian State Prosecutor’s Office, Mihalić and his father operated a factory in Turkey from August 26, 2022, until May 25, 2023, producing over 1.3 million fake rapid antigen tests for sale across Europe. The tests were designed to look identical to genuine ones, and Mihalić used his company to import them into Croatia and sell them to businesses and institutions in several European countries, including Greece, Romania, Austria, Spain, and Germany. The operation reportedly generated illicit profits amounting to €445,932. To conceal these earnings, Mihalić attempted to hide the money through bank deposits. Both Mihalić and his father faced charges related to the counterfeiting of medicines and medical devices. Additionally, Filip Mihalić was charged with money laundering. The case drew attention due to the scale of the operation and the potential risks posed by the circulation of unverified testing kits during the height of the pandemic. The timeline of events begins with the initial investigations launched by Croatian authorities in early December 2022. These investigations led to the formal indictment against both Mihalić and his father in January 2023. The indictment detailed the period of their alleged criminal activity, spanning nearly a year. During this time, the pair allegedly coordinated the production and distribution of the counterfeit tests across multiple countries, exploiting the demand for reliable diagnostic tools during the pandemic. The individuals directly involved include Filip Mihalić, his father Andjelko Mihalić, and the Turkish factory where the tests were produced. The locations affected range from the factory in Turkey to various European countries where the tests were sold. The companies and institutions that purchased the tests remain unnamed, though they are described as operating in sectors such as healthcare and public services. Background information indicates that the Mihalić family had prior political connections, given Andjelko Mihalić's role as a former member of parliament for the HDZ party. This connection added a layer of public interest to the case, especially considering the nature of the crime and its potential impact on public health. There are discrepancies in the reporting regarding the exact number of tests produced and the specific countries where they were distributed. While some sources mention the figure of 1.3 million tests, others suggest the numbers could be higher. Additionally, the extent of the financial gains attributed to the operation varies slightly depending on the source. Reactions from those involved have not been widely reported, but legal proceedings against the Mihalićs continued even after the death of Filip Mihalić. His passing does not absolve his father of the charges, and the case remains active within the judicial system. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the remaining aspects of the case, focusing on the distribution channels and the potential buyers of the counterfeit tests. The outcome of the legal proceedings against Andjelko Mihalić will depend on further evidence and testimony. The death of Filip Mihalić has not halted the ongoing legal process, and the court is likely to proceed with the trial based on the existing documentation and testimonies.