CROATIA - Head of customs detained by police

Croatia (AP):

Croatia's head of customs and former treasurer of the ruling party was detained yesterday on suspicion of corruption, police said, as the country intensifies its fight against graft to meet European Union demands. Police spokesman Krunoslav Borovec said Marko Barisic was detained, but declined to give details.

Local media have reported that Barisic in 2007 ordered state firms to hire the Fimi Media company for public relations and marketing jobs, ignoring public tenders. Part of the money paid to Fimi Media reportedly went to the Croatian Democratic Union ruling party as a kickback. Barisic previously denied any wrongdoing.

Barisic's lawyer, Ante Madunic, said his client is suspected by the Office for Preventing Corruption and Organised Crime of conspiring to commit crime, illegal mediation and instigating the abuse of position in connection with the affair.

Madunic said police also searched Barisic's home. There have been widespread media reports that Barisic acted on orders from former Prime Minister Ivo Sanader. The owner of Fimi Media, Nevenka Jurak, was detained in August.