Why was Željko Kerum arrested?

According to unofficial information, the arrest is linked to the long-running illegal construction scandal of his tavern 'Pršut' in Kaštel Štafilić, which is the subject of a USKOK investigation on suspicion of corruption crimes.

How was the tavern 'Pršut' legalized even though it was illegal?

The as-built state decision was signed by local official Andrija Polić in January 2023, claiming that the structures existed before June 2011, but satellite images from Geoportal disprove this.

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USKOK conducts arrests in Split and Dubrovnik counties due to corruption

Q: Who are the judges who participated in the celebration at the tavern 'Pršut'?

At the private celebration in early 2021 were Bruno Klein, Silvio Čović, Dinko Mešin, Miho Mratović, and Tomislav Zlodre, against whom disciplinary proceedings were initiated.

Q: What did USKOK confirm about today's operation?

USKOK confirmed that PNUSKOK is conducting arrests and urgent evidentiary actions in the Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva Counties, targeting several individuals on suspicion of corruption offenses.

L.M. · 30. 07. 2026. | 3 min

USKOK Confirms Arrests and Urgent Evidentiary Actions on Suspicion of Corruption Crimes; Kerum Linked to Illegal Construction Scandal of Tavern 'Pršut'

Summary

USKOK conducts arrests Thursday in Split and Dubrovnik areas; among those arrested is Željko Kerum.
The operation is linked to the illegal construction scandal of tavern 'Pršut' in Kaštel Štafilić and suspicion of corruption in the legalization of the facility.
In January 2023, Andrija Polić signed a disputed legalization decision, although satellite images show that the structures did not exist before the legal deadline.
Earlier, it was established that judges violated epidemiological measures at the celebration in the tavern in 2021, and disciplinary proceedings were initiated.

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On Thursday, July 30, 2026, by order of the Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK), the police PNUSKOK is conducting arrests and urgent evidentiary actions in the Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva Counties, USKOK confirmed. According to unofficial information from the portal DalmacijaDanas, among those arrested is entrepreneur and former Split politician Željko Kerum, who was taken into custody by police in Vela Luka. The operation targets several individuals suspected of corruption crimes, and after the interrogations, USKOK will decide on further proceedings.

Roots of the Scandal: Illegal Construction of Tavern 'Pršut'

The arrests are linked to the long-running scandal surrounding Kerum's tavern 'Pršut' in Kaštel Štafilić, extensively covered by Net.hr. As early as 2019, the construction inspectorate determined that the building was constructed without a permit on land classified as 'particularly valuable arable land' and issued a removal order, but it was never carried out. Despite this, in early 2021, amid the pandemic, a private celebration was held in the tavern, which, according to Net.hr, was attended by numerous guests, including several judges from Split.

Judges at the Celebration and Disciplinary Proceedings

The then-president of the Supreme Court, Đuro Sessa, initiated proceedings in February 2021 against judges: Bruno Klein, Silvio Čović, Dinko Mešin, Miho Mratović, and Tomislav Zlodre, who gathered at the tavern 'Pršut' for the birthday celebration of former footballer Ivica Mornar, despite epidemiological measures.

Controversial Legalization

The key turning point occurred in January 2023 when a local official of the City of Kaštela, Andrija Polić, signed an 'as-built state decision' (rješenje o izvedenom stanju), stating that the structures (including a swimming pool, a chapel, and upper floors) existed before the legal deadline for legalization, June 2011. However, satellite images from Geoportal, cited by Net.hr, show that these buildings did not exist at that time. Polić later became president of the Split Sports Association, and was also mentioned as a candidate for the head of sports in the City of Split, which sparked political reactions. Mayor Tomislav Šuta came under pressure due to the coalition with Kerum's HGS. Ultimately, it was unofficially announced that the new head would be Ivo Katušić, not Polić.

Media Investigations and Political Consequences

In early May 2025, Telegram published a detailed investigation into the illegal construction, which was followed by numerous questions about the responsibility of local authorities. According to Net.hr, information continued to emerge in 2025 indicating that the facility did not meet the requirements for hospitality operations.

USKOK is now continuing the investigation, and the public awaits the official names of the suspects and details of the corrupt actions that led to today's arrests.