PRISTINA -- Kosovar authorities say they have detained 10 people, including a former mayor, municipal directors, and heads of private companies, over allegations of illegal construction work at a tourist resort.
Those detained are suspected of bribery and misuse of office over illegal permits issued for the construction of villas and other buildings in Brezovica, a winter tourism destination in the Balkan country's southeast, prosecutors said on December 21.
The ex-mayor of the Shterpce/Strpce municipality, Bratislav Nikolic, was among them. He is accused of receiving up to 1 million euros ($1.13 million) in exchange for the illegal permits.
The former mayor and other suspects are also accused of receiving villas, cars, and other gifts.
Investigators said cash amounting to a total of 61,000 euros ($69,000) and eight cars worth 300,000 euros ($338,000) were seized in raids at 12 locations across Kosovo.
Kosovo Ex-Mayor Among 10 Detained Corruption Suspects
The detained suspects are accused of illegally issuing permits to build villas in Brezovica.