How to report corruption to Serbian authorities
Corruption can affect public procurement, building permits, employment, inspections, healthcare, education, local government and access to public services. In Serbia, a report is more useful when it describes specific conduct, identifies the responsible institution and separates verified facts from assumptions.
Citizens may report bribery, abuse of office, conflicts of interest, illicit influence, favoritism in public tenders, unexplained misuse of public funds or retaliation against someone who refuses to participate in wrongdoing. A report can be submitted by a direct witness, a person affected by the conduct or someone who has credible information.
The safest approach is to preserve evidence, use an appropriate reporting channel and keep proof that the complaint was submitted. Legal protection may depend on how the disclosure was made, whether the reporter acted in good faith and whether the information concerns a violation of law or a threat to the public interest.
Recognize conduct that may amount to corruption
Corruption is broader than handing over cash. It can include requesting a gift or service in exchange for an official act, steering a public contract toward a preferred bidder, using confidential information for private benefit or pressuring a public employee to ignore legal requirements.
Conflicts of interest are also important. An official who participates in a decision involving a family member, business partner or personal investment may be violating applicable rules. Favoritism and nepotism can become especially serious when they influence recruitment, public procurement, subsidies, permits or inspections.
Keep the description precise. Instead of writing that “the entire municipality is corrupt,” identify what happened, when it happened, who was involved, what decision was affected and why the conduct appears unlawful. A clear timeline gives investigators something they can verify.
Select the authority that fits the allegation
The Agency for Prevention of Corruption, commonly known in Serbian as Agencija za sprečavanje korupcije, is relevant to matters such as conflicts of interest, officials’ assets and income, lobbying, political financing and breaches of duties established under anti-corruption legislation. Its role differs from that of criminal investigators, so a report should be directed according to the facts.
The police and the competent public prosecutor’s office are appropriate channels when the information suggests a criminal offence, such as bribery, trading in influence, abuse of office, embezzlement or manipulation of public procurement. If there is an immediate threat, extortion or risk that evidence will be destroyed, contacting the police promptly may be important.
A person may also use an institution’s internal whistleblowing channel where one exists. The Ombudsman can address maladministration and violations of citizens’ rights, although it does not replace the prosecutor in investigating criminal corruption. For public procurement concerns, the competent procurement bodies and review mechanisms may also be relevant.
Build a factual and usable report
Before submitting a complaint, prepare a short chronology. Include dates, locations, names or positions, the public body involved, the decision or transaction at issue and the connection between the conduct and the suspected benefit. State how you learned the information and distinguish direct knowledge from information received from others.
Attach lawful copies of contracts, tender documents, invoices, emails, messages, photographs, official decisions and meeting records. Do not alter files or obtain material by hacking, impersonation or unauthorized access. Preserve original files with their metadata when possible, and keep a separate note explaining when and how each document came into your possession.
Understanding the underlying legal relationship can help reveal irregularities. For example, guidance on Serbian contract law may help a small business owner recognize unusual clauses, unexplained amendments or payment arrangements that deserve closer examination. Legal context does not prove corruption by itself, but it can make the factual report more precise.
A strong submission asks for a lawful review rather than demanding a predetermined punishment. Explain the action you believe the authority should examine, identify any urgent risk and request confirmation of receipt. Avoid exaggeration, insults and unsupported accusations, since careless wording can weaken credibility and create legal risks.
Use official channels and protect your identity
Check the current submission instructions on the authority’s official website. Reports may be accepted through an online form, email, post, in-person filing or another designated channel. Keep the sent email, delivery receipt, filing stamp, reference number and copies of every attachment.
Some reporting systems permit anonymous disclosures, while others require contact details to communicate with the reporter. An anonymous report can make follow-up difficult, but identifying yourself may create concerns about retaliation. Before choosing, consider whether your employer, colleagues or the subject of the report could identify you from the facts alone.
| Reporting route | Suitable for | Evidence to include | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency for Prevention of Corruption | Conflicts of interest, assets, lobbying and political financing | Decisions, declarations, relationships and dates | Confirm that the issue falls within the Agency’s statutory remit |
| Police or public prosecutor | Suspected criminal offences and urgent risks | Timeline, documents, messages and witness details | Report threats or evidence-destruction risks promptly |
| Internal whistleblowing channel | Misconduct connected to an employer or organization | Internal records and the reporting history | Keep proof of submission and any retaliation |
| Public procurement mechanisms | Irregular tendering or contract awards | Tender notices, criteria, bids and decisions | Deadlines and standing requirements may apply |
| Ombudsman or inspection authority | Maladministration, rights violations or regulatory breaches | Complaints, decisions and correspondence | These bodies may address legality or administration rather than prosecute crimes |
Do not publish sensitive evidence online before obtaining advice. Public disclosure can expose personal data, confidential business information, witnesses or investigative methods. It can also make it harder for authorities to preserve evidence and protect people connected to the report.
Understand whistleblower protection
Serbia’s whistleblower framework is designed to protect people who disclose information about violations that threaten the public interest. Protection may cover internal and external reporting, court proceedings and measures against retaliation, depending on the circumstances and the reporter’s conduct.
Retaliation can include dismissal, demotion, reduced pay, harassment, unfavorable scheduling, exclusion from work, threats or other harmful treatment linked to the disclosure. Keep records of performance reviews, schedule changes, messages, disciplinary notices and conversations that show a possible connection between the report and later treatment.
A person who anticipates retaliation should seek advice before revealing more information than necessary. Legal aid organizations, attorneys and trade unions may help assess reporting routes, confidentiality concerns and available remedies. NOMCENTAR NGO provides free legal aid and legal education, which can be useful when a citizen needs help organizing facts before approaching an authority.
Digital evidence requires particular care. Preserve emails in their original format, export messages where lawful, record relevant web addresses and avoid editing screenshots. In matters involving regulated online services, a casino registration guide may illustrate the type of public-facing business information that should be kept separate from the actual allegation and verified against official licensing records.
Follow up without compromising the case
After filing, note the authority’s reference number and any deadline for further information. If the institution requests clarification, answer directly and provide only relevant material. Do not send repeated messages that contain no new facts, as excessive correspondence can obscure the central issue.
Authorities may not disclose every investigative step, particularly when a criminal inquiry is underway. A lack of immediate public information does not necessarily mean that the report was ignored. If there is no response, send a measured follow-up referring to the original filing and ask whether it was registered or transferred to another competent body.
If the matter involves public money or a decision affecting a wider community, civic monitoring can add value. Public panel discussions, community organizations and lawful requests for public information can help residents understand how decisions were made. NOMCENTAR NGO’s legal support resources offer a starting point for citizens and community groups seeking accessible information about rights, procedures and civic engagement.
Prepare before you submit
- Write a factual chronology with names, dates, decisions and amounts.
- Preserve original documents and lawful copies of digital evidence.
- Choose the authority whose legal mandate matches the suspected conduct.
- Keep submission receipts, reference numbers and records of possible retaliation.
- Obtain confidential legal advice before disclosing sensitive or identifying information.
A corruption report is most effective when it is specific, documented and sent through a channel that can act on the allegation. If you have credible information, organize the evidence carefully and seek professional guidance where the risks are significant. Contact NOMCENTAR NGO to learn more about free legal aid, legal education and civic support available to communities across Serbia.