Well-known musician Mile Kekin, former frontman of the popular band Hladno pivo and husband of MP Ivana Kekin from the Možemo! Party, was arrested as part of an extensive operation carried out by USKOK and PNUSKOK. The arrest is part of a broader investigation that includes several people, including the former leader of Buje, Jelena Perossa, her husband, and the mayor of Buje, Fabrizio Vižintin. Kekin is suspected of abuse of position, power, and money laundering in connection with the purchase of land in Momjan near the villa he owns with his wife.
Details of the charges
According to information from the investigation, Mile Kekin allegedly participated in irregularities related to purchasing land from the City of Buje in 2018. The disputed land, which is located near his villa, was purchased at HRK 25,000, which the investigators consider to be significantly below the market value. USKOK suspects that Kekin encouraged local officials to make concessions when selling land, which allegedly caused damage to the city budget.
In addition to Kekin, former leader Jelena Perossa and her husband were also arrested. They are charged with abuse of position and authority. The mayor of Buja, Fabrizio Vižintin, is suspected of participating in favoritism in the sale of land.
Mila Kekin’s reactions
Kekin’s lawyer, Čedo Prodanović, pointed out that the accusations against his client are absurd and that the budget damage is insignificant. Prodanović emphasized that the defense will prove that all transactions were by the law.
I am being used for an attack on the Zagreb authorities. I did everything according to the law – Mile Kekin
Political implications
The arrest of Mila Kekin caused stormy reactions in political circles. Ivana Kekin, MP and member of the Možemo! The party stated that she believes this is a politically motivated campaign directed against her and the party she belongs to.
This is an attempt to discredit me and my family because of our political involvement – Ivana Kekin
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković refused to comment on the case details but pointed out that judicial bodies must work independently of politics. On the other hand, some opposition members expressed their doubt that it was political pressure related to the upcoming local elections.
Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević also spoke about the event. He said that he believes the justice system will determine the facts impartially and added, “We are all equal before the law.”
The broader context of the investigation
The USKOK investigation includes several persons connected to the City of Buje and alleged illegal actions related to the sale of city real estate. According to unofficial information, investigators are checking possible corrupt activities, including favoring private interests at the expense of public resources.
Further steps
After questioning at USKOK’s premises, Mile Kekin was released while the investigation is ongoing. USKOK is expected to decide on the initiation of an official investigation and a possible request for pre-trial detention of the suspects.
Public reactions
The public is divided over this case. While some believe that the judicial system should impartially investigate the allegations regardless of the status of the suspects, others express concern about the possible political motives behind the whole case. Numerous discussions have appeared on social networks about whether the accusations against Mile Kekin are justified or part of a broader political showdown.
How the situation will develop remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: This case is already significantly impacting the political scene and public perception of the Croatian judicial system.
