Former Croatian Ski Federation President Arrested in Istanbul Over €30 Million Embezzlement

Vedran Pavlek's Arrest

According to Главком: Former Croatian Ski Federation President Vedran Pavlek has been detained in Istanbul. He faces charges of embezzlement, witness bribery, and repeated legal violations. Investigators allege Pavlek funneled around €10 million to his personal foreign accounts, with the total misappropriated sum reaching approximately €30 million.

Croatian law enforcement carried out the arrest. Pavlek failed to appear at a Zagreb court hearing on March 27, 2026, where a pre-trial detention measure was to be decided. He had resigned from his federation presidency in March 2026. Four of his former colleagues are also under investigation. The fraudulent financial operations linked to Pavlek were conducted through companies registered in Switzerland, Monaco, and Liechtenstein.

Gymnast Ilyankova's Social Media Activity

In a separate but notable development, Russian gymnast Angelina Ilyankova has drawn attention for her social media activity. She has liked posts featuring Vladimir Putin and Russian military personnel. Ilyankova follows the account of Nikita Nagornyy, who is under sanctions from Ukraine, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. She also follows the account of Russian propagandist Shaman, who faces sanctions from Canada, the EU, and Ukraine, and has liked his posts. Additionally, she follows a fan page for Alina Kabaeva, who is sanctioned by Canada, the UK, the EU, the US, and Ukraine.

Pavlek's arrest marks a significant step in Croatia's fight against corruption within its sports organizations. The country's authorities are actively investigating financial crimes, which could substantially impact the region's sporting reputation. Meanwhile, Ilyankova's online actions highlight the complex intersection of sports figures with geopolitical tensions, raising international concerns about ethics and political influences in athletics. This case underscores the ongoing challenges of governance and political neutrality in international sports.

The recent arrest of Vedran Pavlek underscores the ongoing scrutiny of financial misconduct in sports. This development parallels other incidents affecting athletes from the region, such as the challenges faced by Russian sports figures. For instance, a recent case involving a Russian figure skater denied a jewelry purchase due to their nationality highlights the complexities surrounding athletes' public personas and international relations.