Judicial Investigation Requested Against Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković and 20 Others in Slovenia

Prosecutor's Office Seeks Judicial Investigation

The specialized state prosecutor's office in Slovenia has formally requested a judicial investigation against Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković and 20 other individuals. The request, submitted to the District Court in Ljubljana approximately two months prior to recent reports, centers on suspicions of various criminal offenses. These include allegations of receiving benefits for illegal mediation, giving bribes, and inciting abuse of position or trust in economic activity.

Specific Allegations and Ongoing Proceedings

The current investigation focuses on a range of alleged illicit activities. The prosecutor's office confirmed that 21 individuals are under scrutiny for their suspected involvement in these criminal acts. Mayor Janković's first hearing in connection with this latest request is reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, following the public announcement of the investigation. The District Court and its investigating judge are now tasked with proceeding with the judicial inquiry.

A History of Legal Scrutiny

This is not the first time Mayor Janković has faced legal challenges. He has been the subject of multiple investigations over the years concerning financial malfeasance and alleged corruption. Notable past cases and allegations include:

• Stožice Sports Park: Janković has been investigated for alleged abuse of office to secure illegal gains for Grep, the construction company behind the Stožice Sports Park, as well as for document fabrication to obtain loans and fraud related to European Union funds. In a recent development in May 2025, a Higher Court overturned an acquittal in the Stožice parking lot case, returning it for a new trial.
• Mercator Shares and Tax Evasion: Allegations of tax evasion linked to the sale of Mercator shares through a company reportedly controlled by Janković, but owned by his sons.
• Bribery and Abuse of Office: Past investigations have also involved accusations of accepting bribes in transactions with the company KPL and alleged abuse of office in connection with a female pharmacist seeking employment, where sexual favors were reportedly requested. Janković has consistently denied these accusations.
• Money Laundering: In 2021, an investigation into money laundering and abuse of office led to searches at 11 locations, including Janković's family home, targeting five individuals.

These ongoing and past inquiries highlight a pattern of legal challenges surrounding the long-serving mayor of Ljubljana.

Next Steps in the Judicial Process

With the specialized state prosecutor's office having submitted its request, the focus now shifts to the District Court in Ljubljana. The investigating judge will determine the course of the judicial investigation into Mayor Janković and the 20 other individuals. The outcome of these proceedings will be closely watched as the legal process unfolds in Slovenia.