"He probably financed my campaign as much as he financed the campaign of U.S. President (George) Bush," President Mesic responded ironically when questioned by reporters about allegations that Petrac, who was arrested in Greece two days ago on an international warrant, had financed Mesic's first presidential campaign.
Mesic, who opened the 13th international livestock fair in Gudovec near Bjelovar on Friday, said that he had "twice met the man in passing".
The president once again refuted speculations about any connection with Petrac, who is believed to be one of the key underworld figures in the country.
Runaway tycoon Petrac was arrested arly Wednesday morning aboard a ferry which was about to depart from the Greek port of Igoumenitsa for Ancona in Italy. Petrac, for whom Interpol issued an arrest warrant, was on the run since the kidnapping of the underage son of General Vladimir Zagorac in February last year. A year later the Zagreb County Court ruled that he masterminded the abduction and sentenced him to six years in prison. Petrac is also believed to be a helper of fugitive general Ante Gotovina, who is wanted by the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague.