Božidar Kalmeta

Božidar Kalmeta, a former Croatian Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, has been involved in multiple legal proceedings and scandals, primarily related to corruption and misuse of public funds. As of May 2026, he was convicted in a high-profile case known as the "HAC-Remorker" affair. On May 29, 2026, the Zagreb Županijski Sud (County Court) issued a non-final verdict sentencing him to two and a half years in prison, with ten months to be served and the remainder conditional, provided he does not commit another crime within a four-year probation period (Vijesti HRT; Net.hr). The charges stem from his involvement in the "Prometna renesansa" film, which was allegedly used for political promotion and financed with public funds, amounting to approximately 81,000 euros. Kalmeta was found guilty of abuse of office by facilitating the unlawful expenditure of state resources for this film, which was not used for its purported purpose (Vijesti HRT; Net.hr). In addition to Kalmeta, other individuals involved in the case received varying sentences, including Damir Kezele, who was sentenced to two years, with six months to serve in prison and the rest conditional (Net.hr). The case also implicated former officials such as Zdravko Livaković and Milivoj Mikulić, who received sentences for related misconduct, and some defendants, including Josip Sapunar and Ivan Berket, accepted plea deals and were sentenced accordingly (Net.hr). Kalmeta's legal troubles date back to earlier allegations, including investigations into illegal financial activities related to highway construction and other infrastructure projects, with accusations of embezzlement and abuse of office. Despite these allegations, some cases saw him acquitted or not prosecuted, but the recent 2026 conviction marks a significant development in his legal history (Vijesti HRT; Net.hr). In summary, Božidar Kalmeta's career has been marred by multiple allegations of corruption, fraud, and misuse of public funds, culminating in his 2026 conviction related to the "HAC-