The construction of a new office building for Dars in Grič, which we have reported on several times in the past, is taking on a new dimension. e project, the value of which has risen from the initially planned EUR 19 million to almost EUR 30 million, is now the subject of proceedings for alleged serious violations of the Public Procurement Act. e State Audit Commission has filed an indictment against Dars and several responsible persons, including the Chairman of the Board of Dars, Andrej Ribič, with the competent district court.
As the Minister of Infrastructure Jernej Vrtovec pointed out, this is not only taxpayers' money, but also the funds of all users of Slovenian motorways, who finance the network with vignette and tolls.
Dars was alleged to have outsourced certain consultancy and engineering services for the construction of the commercial building to Axis and Proctor bypassing the statutory public procurement procedures. e Audit Board assessed that the transactions had been concluded without appropriate calls for tenders, which constituted a breach of the fundamental rules of transparent spending of public money.
More than 50% increase
The project, initially estimated at around EUR 19 million, was increased to almost EUR 30 million during the implementation phase.A difference of more than EUR 10 million represents an increase of more than 50 per cent, raising questions about the eligibility of many annexes and the control of the investment.These annexes have been criticised in the past by the opposition and by some public procurement experts.
Let us recall that in 2025, when we reported that Zvone Černač at one of the meetings pointed out the shocking signing of the annex for the construction of the Darsa business building in Ljubljana, the annexes for the acquisition of the Darsa business building for 5 million euros were signed by the Ribič brothers, that is, Andrej Ribič, who is the chairman of the board, and Brane Ribič, who is leading this investment.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Energy, Jernej Vrtovec, pointed out that as an opposition politician, he had already pointed out the problematic implementation of the project. There are serious doubts about the eligibility of the annexes, which have gradually increased the project by more than EUR 10 million. All the annexes, which have increased the price of the commercial building by almost EUR 30 million, are unjustified, in particular the way in which these annexes have been made, said the Minister.
President of the National Assembly Jernej Vrtovec (Photo by STA)
Will the Fisherman take responsibility?
Vrtovec also specifically raised the issue of a possible conflict of interest.According to him, Andrej Ribič has not been excluded from decision-making in proceedings in which his brother is alleged to have participated.If the allegations prove to be justified, the Minister expects to assume responsibility. "In the end, it is not only taxpayers' money, but also the money of everyone who travels on the motorway and pays vignette or toll.There must be certain consequences, both penal and compensatory", he stressed.
They're doing a stunt at Dars.
Dars has so far refuted the allegations or stressed that they have not yet been officially informed of the content of the proceedings. Board member David Skornšek said that he had learned about the infringement procedure through the media. According to him, the company had carried out a legal and expert review of the project before the investment was completed, which should not show any irregularities. What the National Audit Commission says, we will have to read first, and then we will comment, said Skornšek.
This is Sara Kovač.
Read the full article at Nova24TV →📄Source document: Pop TV report→11 reports
Nova24TVParty-alignedCenter12 days agoDARS, Slovenia's state highway company, faces criminal charges from the State Audit Court for alleged serious public procurement violations in a building project that ballooned from 19 million to nearly 30 million euros (over 50 percent increase). The company is accused of awarding consulting and engineering services to companies Axis and Proctor without following proper procurement procedures, affecting both taxpayers and highway users who fund the network through tolls and vignettes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents audit findings and government response using factual language without editorializing, loaded terminology, or one-sided sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government State Audit Commission
- government Minister for Infrastructure Jernej Vrtovec
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter13 days agoThe State Audit Commission is reportedly preparing an indictment against Dars for alleged violations of public procurement laws during the construction of a new business building on Grič. According to reports, Dars allegedly bypassed tenders and public contracts by entering into agreements with companies Axis and Proctor. The audit commission claims that Dars overpaid for the construction by more than 50 percent, paying nearly €30 million instead of the estimated €19 million. The investigation is expected to conclude by late July or early August. Dars has not yet commented on the matter.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on an ongoing legal investigation involving allegations of financial misconduct but does not take a clear stance or emphasize one side over another. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the un
ReporterIndependentCenter13 days agoThe article discusses an indictment proposal against Dars, suggesting that business buildings were overpaid by 50 percent.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without evident framing or slant. It does not include opinionated language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
ReporterIndependentCenter13 days ago Debt proposal against Dars: 50 percent overpayment of the business buildingThe article discusses an indictment proposal against Dars, suggesting that business buildings were overpaid by 50 percent.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without evident framing or slant. It does not include opinionated language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
Svet24IndependentCenter13 days agoThe article reports allegations that Dars paid more than 50% over the value of a building.
Bias read (Center): The article presents an allegation without taking a stance or providing additional context or sourcing that would indicate a particular ideological leaning. It simply reports the claim without endorsing it or presenting counterarguments.
DeloIndependent🔒Center13 days agoThe State Audit Commission is reportedly preparing to submit an indictment against Dars for alleged violations of public procurement laws related to the construction of a new business building on Grič. The commission allegedly found serious legal breaches, including contracts signed outside of tenders with companies Axis and Proctor. Dars is accused of overpaying by more than 50% for the construction, from an estimated 19 million euros to nearly 30 million euros. The case is expected to be concluded by late July or early August. Dars has not yet commented on the matter.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on allegations made by the State Audit Commission without taking a stance on their validity or implying guilt or innocence. The tone remains neutral, focusing on reported actions and claims.
Žurnal24IndependentCenter13 days agoThe State Audit Commission is reportedly preparing an indictment against Dars and responsible individuals, including CEO Andrej Ribič, over alleged violations of public procurement laws during the construction of a new business building on Grič. The commission allegedly found serious breaches involving contracts with companies Axis and Proctor outside of tenders and public orders. Dars is accused of paying more than 50% over the budget for the project, from 19 million euros to nearly 30 million euros. The audit process is expected to conclude by late July or early August. Dars has not yet made
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on allegations made by the State Audit Commission without taking a stance on their validity or implying guilt. The tone remains neutral, focusing on reported actions and accusations rather than
Maribor24IndependentCenter13 days agoThe State Audit Commission is reportedly preparing an indictment against Dars (the public enterprise managing Ljubljana's water supply) over alleged irregularities in the construction of a new business building on Grič. The commission allegedly found serious violations of the Public Procurement Act, with Dars accused of bypassing tenders and public contracts when awarding the project to companies Axis and Proctor. Dars is said to have paid nearly 30 million euros for the building, which is more than 50% higher than the estimated cost of 19 million euros. The audit process is expected to be完成ed
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an ongoing legal investigation involving a public entity without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents facts based on reported actions by the State Audit Commission and does not favor any particular side.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter13 days agoThe State Audit Commission is reportedly preparing to file an indictment against Dars for alleged irregularities in the construction of a new business building on Grič. The commission allegedly found serious violations of the public procurement law, including contracts signed with companies Axis and Proctor without tenders or public orders. Dars is accused of overpaying by more than 50% for the construction, from an estimated 19 million euros to nearly 30 million euros. The process is expected to conclude by late July or early August. Dars has not yet commented on the matter.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information based on reports from Pop TV and does not include overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. It provides details about the allegations against Dars without taking a clear stance or emphasizing one side over another.
Siol.netIndependentCenter13 days agoThe article reports that the state audit commission is expected to file an indictment against Dars (the Slovenian Road Infrastructure Company) for alleged violations of public procurement laws related to the construction of a new business building on Grič. The report claims that Dars paid over 50% more than the estimated cost, paying nearly €30 million instead of €19 million. The allegations involve contracts with companies Axis and Proctor outside of public tenders. Dars has not yet commented on the matter.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on legal proceedings involving a public entity but does not take a clear stance or emphasize any particular perspective.
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenter13 days agoAccording to our information, the State Audit Commission has reportedly found serious violations of the public procurement law related to advisory and engineering services for the new business building. It is alleged that Dars unofficially entered into agreements with the consortium of companies AXIS and PROCTOR outside of tenders and public contracts. The audit commission is said to have submitted an indictment against Dars and responsible individuals, including CEO Andrej Ribič. Additionally, it is reported that the audit commission concluded in late July or early August that Dars overpaid 5
Bias read (Center): The article reports on allegations of legal violations by Dars without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents the claims made by the State Audit Commission without endorsing them.
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