Zagreb, 15 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros has been arrested by the country's anti-corruption and organized crime office, his lawyer said on Friday.

Officials from the prosecution agency also searched his home in Zagreb, she said.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic immediately relieved Beros of his government office, the cabinet office announced.

Beros, a molecular biologist, had been health minister since 2020. He was the key player in shaping and presenting government measures during the coronavirus pandemic, including closures, travel restrictions and vaccination policy.

He is a member of the ruling HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) party.

Two hospital directors and other individuals have also been arrested on corruption charges.

The measures were taken at the instigation of the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Its office in Zagreb announced that Beros and seven other suspects were being investigated for alleged corruption.

According to the announcement, substantial bribes are said to have been paid in the procurement of expensive medical equipment by the hospitals concerned.