Extraordinary oversight: police knew of fake officer at Brnik but did not act immediately
An extraordinary inspection of Ljubljana police revealed that authorities had received information about a man who was acting without authorisation at Brnik airport, but did not act immediately. The fake officer performed police duties alongside a genuine officer for more than a year.
Extraordinary oversight: police knew of fake officer at Brnik but did not act immediately
An inspection by supervisors of Ljubljana police has revealed that the competent authorities had previously received notifications about a man who was impersonating a police officer at Brnik airport, but did not take immediate action.
The fake officer walked freely through the spaces of the international airport for more than twelve months and carried out duties that were reserved for legitimate police officers. According to unofficial information cited by N1 Slovenia, the fake and genuine officer together performed police procedures at least sixteen times in the airport area before they were discovered last autumn.
The former Interior Minister ordered an extraordinary inspection, which has now been completed. The findings will be presented to the public once new Minister Franci Matoz takes office and decides on any potential measures, according to N1 Slovenia.
The ministry explained to the Slovenian Press Agency that the suspect occasionally appeared at official police procedures of his acquaintance and stayed repeatedly in the airport station premises and in the airport area during the period from April 2024 to September 2025. The inspection found no evidence that he had access to police records or other confidential data.
Officers arrested him on the evening of 16 October 2025. During a house search, they seized a notebook in which he had written personal data and registration numbers.
The genuine officer who enabled the fake officer to participate in police tasks has had his employment contract terminated. All police supervisors remain in their positions for now, although inspectors discovered a number of irregularities. These did not appear to stem from instructions from superiors, but rather from inadequate knowledge of police work and procedures.
The inspection team issued several recommendations. Among other things, the police should establish a reliable system for handling operational information that will prevent oversight of security-critical data. It should also review the procedures of internal security measures and ensure swift assessment of staff accountability in cases of violations. Additionally, unit commanders should assess in a timely manner the need for psychological support for officers without officers having to request it themselves. Finally, the law enforcement agency should introduce appropriate supervision of police equipment and uniforms to prevent their misuse and sale on the open market.
Source: N1 Slovenia
Source: Google News SI — Crime (sl)