The national anti-corruption body USKOK on Thursday confirmed the arrest of Dragan Kovacevic, the CEO of oil pipeline operator Janaf, saying that several people were being arrested on suspicion of influence peddling, bribery and illicit preferential treatment.

In a statement in which the suspects were not identified, USKOK said it had asked Parliament to strip two MPs of immunity from prosecution.

The MPs in question are Velika Gorica mayor Drazen Barisic (HDZ) and Nova Gradiska mayor Vinko Grgic (SDP), and both have told the media they have nothing to do with corruption. The motion to lift immunity will be discussed by the Credentials and Privileges Commission in the afternoon.

USKOK said it would decide on further steps after the suspects were questioned.

According to media reports, Kovacevic is suspected of receiving HRK 1.9 million in bribes from the CEO of a company which landed a HRK 40 million deal from Janaf.

According to unofficial information, ten people have been arrested.