In the continuation of the investigation into human trafficking, the Police Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Tuzla Canton arrested four people, including three police officers. The arrests were made in the areas of Kalesija and Živinice, and the suspects are linked to the case of sexual exploitation of minors for the purpose of prostitution.
New arrests in the investigation
Investigators of the Criminal Police Sector of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Tuzla Canton knocked on the doors of police stations in Kalesija and Živinice, where they arrested three police officers suspected of human trafficking, for which police inspector Besim Kopić and others were indicted in a shocking case of sexual exploitation of minors for the purpose of prostitution, who were victims of human trafficking.
Emir Kadrić, Ismet Hujdur, police officers from Kalesija, and junior police inspector Almir Hodžić from Živinice were arrested, and among the arrested was Mirsad Jagodić, brother of the previously accused former university professor and parliamentarian Zijad Jagodić.
“All actions have been taken to clarify and identify all persons who participated and who can be linked to the commission of the criminal offense under Article 210a of the Criminal Code of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These four persons are suspected of the criminal offense of using the services of persons who are victims of human trafficking,” said Adnana Sprečić, spokesperson for the Police Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tuzla Canton.
Suspected exploitation of minors
The Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office of the Tuzla Canton confirmed that the suspects are charged with the sexual exploitation of two minor girls, with awareness of their status as victims of human trafficking.
“They are charged with exploiting two girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation through prostitution, even though they were aware that they were minors and victims of human trafficking. This is Article 210a, paragraph 6, which prescribes a prison sentence of six months to five years,” said Admir Arnautović, spokesperson for the Tuzla Canton Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspensions and internal control
The current management of the Police Directorate immediately suspended the arrested police officers today.
The Tuzla Canton Prosecutor’s Office documented the entire case in cooperation with investigators from the Criminal Police Sector of the Organized Crime Department of the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Interior, which confirms the Police Directorate’s commitment to resolutely confronting all forms of crime and abuse of power within its own ranks.
“The Police Directorate will continue to actively work to prevent and solve criminal offenses that damage the reputation of the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Interior. We are committed to fighting all forms of crime, including those within our own ranks,” Sprečić emphasized.
Investigation still ongoing
However, it is not yet known whether today’s arrests are the last in this case.
“This is a continuation of the investigation. They are charged with the same criminal offense, and further procedural actions are underway. At this point, we cannot confirm whether this is the end of the investigation in this case,” Arnautović said.
We would like to remind you that the trial against Kopić and police officers Miralem Halilović, Jasmin Modrić and Dževad Požegić, as well as other defendants in this case, is closed to the public. It is not yet known whether the investigation against the suspects arrested today and linked to this case will eventually be merged with this case.
