ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatian police on Thursday raided the homes and offices of the Dinamo Zagreb bosses who are suspected of tax evasion and bribery.
Dinamo president Zdravko Mamic and his brother, coach Zoran Mamic, have been under investigation by the Croatian bureau for combating corruption and organized crime. The bureau said it was "collecting urgent evidence" during the raids.
Croatian media said Zdravko Mamic is suspected of taking undeclared commission fees from the sale of several Dinamo players to foreign clubs.
Zdravko Mamic, who is in neighbouring Slovenia for Dinamo’s pre-season training, strongly denied his and his brother’s wrongdoing and said he will return to Croatia without fearing he would be arrested.
Mamic, who is known for his fiery public outbursts and nationalistic stands, said the criminal investigation represents "genocide" against him, his family, Dinamo and the Croatian state.
He said Croatia’s left-wing government "is terrorizing anyone who has patriotic feelings and this process is a part of that campaign."
Despite Dinamo’s longtime dominance in the Croatian league, Zdravko Mamic is highly unpopular among its fans, who perceive him as greedy and arrogant.