State Secretary Jaklin continually denies corruption allegations; media reports €60,000
Damijan Jaklin, state secretary at the infrastructure ministry and mayor of Velika Polana, categorically rejects allegations of unlawful conduct. According to media reports, he allegedly received several tens of thousands of euros.
State Secretary Jaklin continually denies corruption allegations; media reports €60,000
Damijan Jaklin, who serves as state secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and simultaneously heads the Municipality of Velika Polana, firmly rejects all allegations of unlawful conduct. Žurnal24 reports that the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office allegedly investigated Jaklin on suspicion of corruption.
According to the television station, Jaklin allegedly obtained more than €60,000 unlawfully, primarily in cash, through fraudulent contracts and shell companies without actual business activity. During house searches, investigators reportedly discovered a draft contract that would have guaranteed him a 15-per-cent commission on a deal financed from European Union funds.
Reports also indicate that part of the alleged bribery allegedly took place through gifts. Among other things, toys worth €662 were allegedly purchased for his child.
In an official response issued by the political party NSi, Jaklin asserts that he has never demanded or received prohibited benefits and that he has not exploited his public position for private purposes. He emphasises that no criminal charges are known to him. He questions why he has become embroiled in a dispute between two former business partners.
NSi stated that they cannot comment on the allegations circulating in the media. However, they sharply condemned the conduct of state authorities, which are disclosing sensitive data about pre-criminal proceedings to the public before the parties involved are informed.
According to unofficial reports, the prosecutor's office is expected to serve him with a direct indictment shortly. Justice Minister Mihael Zupančič declined to comment on the matter. Lenart Žavbi from the Freedom Movement believes that all NSi officials should resign, as in his view almost none of them any longer have a clean criminal record.
Source: Žurnal24