Police investigators entered United Group’s Belgrade headquarters this week to collect business documents on behalf of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office.
It follows a complaint filed by the company’s Serbia director Vladica Tintor against former management, according to Serbian media reports.
Press-freedom groups criticised the operation, calling it part of a broader campaign against United Group’s media outlets N1 and Nova. NUNS said the move risked further pressure on independent broadcasters.
The search comes alongside heightened scrutiny of an audio recording published by investigative outlet KRIK, in which Telekom Srbija’s CEO is heard discussing pressure on United Group’s media arm; prosecutors have asked KRIK to hand over the file
United Group, majority-owned by BC Partners, recently reiterated that it has no plans to curb editorial independence or sell its Serbian news assets.
