Serbia’s retail tycoon, his son and 8 others detained in government anti-corruption sweep

Police say they have detained Serbia’s billionaire retail tycoon, his son and 8 others in what government says is a major anti-corruption sweep.

Miroslav Miskovic, one of Serbia’s richest and most influential figures, is the owner of Delta Holding company which deals with retail, real estate, insurance and agriculture business in Serbia and the rest of the Balkans.

Police said Wednesday that Miskovic, his son Marko and eight others were detained for investigation in connection with a multi-million-dollar privatization of a road-repairs firm.

Serbia’s nationalist government has launched several anti-corruption probes since coming to power in June, mostly against political opponents. The country must fight corruption for EU membership.

Miskovic created his business empire under late strongman Slobodan Milosevic in the 1990s, and expanded it after his ouster in 2000.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.