Liquidation of Alta Banka: Owner Macura Detained, Lawyer Confirms to BBC
A few days after the central bank's decision in Serbia to revoke Alta Banka's operating license, its owner Davor Macura was detained, confirmed Sead Spahović, his lawyer, to the BBC in Serbian.
TL;DR
- Davor Macura, owner of Alta Banka, was detained for 48 hours after his bank's operating license was revoked by the National Bank of Serbia (NBS).
- The NBS cited a significantly worsened financial state of the bank as the reason for the revocation, aiming to protect user interests.
- Questions have been raised about the timing of the NBS's action, with suggestions the bank was 'party-affiliated'.
- Alta Banka had a significant number of Russian citizens as clients and also collaborated with the state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS).
- The Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (TOK) has requested all transaction data from Alta Banka, and the NBS has filed a criminal complaint against the bank and its management.
- Temporary administration was introduced at Alta Banka's branch in Bitola, North Macedonia, and operations were suspended for Alta Pej Grup in Montenegro.
- Deposits up to 50,000 euros are insured, and payment of insured deposits is set to begin on November 2.
- Davor Macura's business history includes founding the Alta group, acquiring Jubmes Banka, and involvement with businesses linked to prominent figures.
- The collapse of Alta Banka is not seen as a threat to the overall Serbian banking system due to its small market share.