Provincial Secretary for Social Policy, Demography and Gender Equality arrested

In addition to him, D.M., chairwoman of the Commission of the Provincial Secretariat for Social Policy, Demography and Gender Equality responsible for reviewing applications for funding, was also arrested.

They were arrested on suspicion of abusing their official positions and causing damage of 130 million dinars to the budget of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina.

The suspects are charged with the commission of an extended criminal offence of abuse of official position, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

P. V. is suspected of having abused his official position and authority while serving as Provincial Secretary for Social Policy, Demography and Gender Equality. D.M. is suspected of having done the same in her capacity as chairwoman of the Commission of the Provincial Secretariat responsible for awarding non-refundable grants to families welcoming their third or fourth child.

The grants were intended to help families resolve housing issues or improve their living conditions in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The scheme covered the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Through the alleged abuse of their official positions and powers, the suspects are believed to have unlawfully secured financial benefits for other individuals amounting to 130,900,000 dinars.

The individuals who received grants totalling 130,900,000 dinars did not even meet the basic eligibility requirement set out in the public call for applications for non-refundable funding – the birth of a third and/or fourth child.

At the same time, suspects P. V. and D. M. caused financial damage to the budget of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina amounting to 130,900,000 dinars.

The suspects have been placed in police custody for up to 48 hours, during which time they will be brought before the prosecutor's office for questioning.