Novi Sad: Three Arrested Over Fake Fuel Card Contracts
Three people were arrested on the order of the Novi Sad prosecutor's office on suspicion of using fake contracts to obtain four cards and fill up without paying.
The Anti-Corruption Service of the Criminal Police Directorate has arrested three people on suspicion of abuse of office. The arrests were made on the order of the Special Anti-Corruption Department of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad, and police say a petroleum products company was defrauded of 31,176,414 dinars.
Who was arrested and what are they suspected of?
According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, those arrested are:
- Z. V. (born 1983), on grounds to suspect he committed the continuing offense of abuse of office by a responsible person,
- D. T. (born 1974) and N. C. (born 1981), who are suspected of aiding in the same offense.
At the time in question, Z. V. worked at the company as assistant to the responsible person for commercial affairs.
How the fuel cards allegedly came about
Police say that in January and February 2025, Z. V. drew up fake fuel sales contracts with business companies, without their knowledge. On the basis of those contracts, four payment cards were issued in the names of the supposed buyers.
D. T. and N. C. are suspected of receiving the cards. Using them at the company’s filling stations across Vojvodina, the two allegedly took fuel without paying. Police suspect that this damaged the company and gained them an unlawful financial benefit.
The statement does not name the company that was harmed. Vojvodjanski Reporter reported on November 5 that it is Naftachem Petrol of Novi Sad. The outlet also says N. C. obtained the stamp and blank promissory notes of a business company and then took some of the cards for personal use, and that the suspects’ benefit exceeds 1,500,000 dinars. None of those details appear in the police statement.
Where the sources differ
The sources disagree on two points:
- number of arrests: police report three people arrested, while Vojvodjanski Reporter writes of two arrested and a third person being sought,
- period: police say January and February 2025, while Vojvodjanski Reporter gives only the year 2025, with no months.
The damage figure in the media report is 31,176,414.76 dinars, which matches the rounded amount given by police.
What happens next
The suspects have been ordered held for up to 48 hours, after which they will be brought before the competent prosecutor’s office. This is a suspicion only, and there is no final verdict.
