The Slovenian Greens party has filed a criminal complaint with the Ljubljana District Prosecutor, targeting several companies and individuals over alleged misuse of public funds in the Mali Log wind farm project. Dravske Elektrarne Maribor (DEM), the state-owned hydropower company and project holder, rejected the allegations, stating that it took immediate action when irregularities were detected.
The Greens’ complaint cites suspected offenses including abuse of public money, fraud, document falsification, and failure of oversight. The party claims that a nearly 20-year-old, second-hand turbine from Turkey was delivered instead of the new unit specified in the tender. They assert that the turbine lacked valid certifications, showed signs of damage and repainting, and was assembled from mismatched components. According to the complaint, the project received over 1.1 million euros in public funding, while DEM allegedly failed to ensure proper supervision.
DEM responded that it learned of the complaint through media reports and strongly disputes the claims. The company said it acted immediately after detecting the inconsistencies by rejecting the delivered equipment, halting all payments to the contractor, and commissioning independent experts to review the situation. DEM has also filed its own criminal report against the contractor, Hmezad TMT, to protect company interests, safeguard state assets, and ensure transparent use of public funds. The company emphasized that investor supervision was conducted regularly and in accordance with regulations and can be fully documented for authorities.
DEM’s general director, Damjan Seme, said the supplier delivered used equipment in violation of contractual terms requiring new components, describing it as a serious breach of public procurement rules. He added that the turbine will not be accepted or connected to the network as it fails to meet technical standards and poses risks.
The company stated that it will fully cooperate with investigators, provide all requested documentation, and keep the public informed as the proceedings progress.
