Alta Bank Owner Detained as Authorities Probe Missing 45 Billion Dinars

Alta Bank Owner Detained as Authorities Probe Missing 45 Billion Dinars
Alta Bank owner Davor Macura was ordered into up to 30 days of pre-trial detention, alongside two bank employees, after a rapid sequence of regulatory and police actions.

The crisis began on Friday, when the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) revoked Alta Bank’s operating license, citing a sharp deterioration in its financial position and risks to depositors. Police then searched the bank for more than 30 hours before arresting Macura on Monday, according to opposition-aligned reporting. Investigators allege that more than 45 billion dinars—about €380 million—was removed from a bank vault known as “Depo.”

The two other suspects, identified by their initials G.M. and I.P., allegedly helped Macura enter the vault by providing access cards or escorting him inside. The alleged withdrawals continued until October 31, the report said. Macura denied the accusations during questioning, according to his lawyer.

The Belgrade Higher Court later ordered detention for all three suspects. The court cited possible interference with witnesses and the risk of repeat offenses; it also cited a flight risk in Macura’s case. The suspects face charges of abuse of office, while the two employees are accused of assisting the alleged offense. The decision can be appealed within three days.

The NBS has placed Alta Bank under the administration of the Deposit Insurance Agency, allowing depositors to withdraw up to €50,000. The central bank also revoked the license of Macura’s electronic-money company, Alta Group.

The case has unsettled the bank’s workforce and Macura’s broader business network. One Alta employee said staff were told not to report to work, while economist Savić cautioned that it was too early to predict bankruptcy or the wider impact on affiliated companies. Four NBS vice-governors said the bank’s actual condition was far worse than previously reported and urged prosecutors to examine possible responsibility within the central bank.