COURT RULES DETENTION FOR OWNER OF 'GUCIC GROUP'

ZAGREB, June 1 (Hina) - The Zagreb County Court on Thursday ruled on one-month detention for Josip Gucic, his son Zvonimir Gucic, and Krsto Romic, one of four directors of Gucic's companies suspected of white-collar crime. Investigating judge Zdenko Posavec issued orders for their arrest and detention at the Zagreb County Prison. Josip Gucic, the owner of the 'Gucic Group', his son Zvonimir, the director of 'Naprijed' company, and Krsto Romic, the director of the textile company 'NIK', are suspected of causing damage to the NIK amounting to more than 194 million kuna in cooperation with other three directors of Gucic's companies. Zvonimir Gucic and Krsto Romic were arrested on May 22 and released after a hearing before the investigating judge. The first suspect, Josip Gucic, has been undergoing medical treatment in Germany since May 19. The State Attorney's Office in Zagreb appealed against the release, asking that the suspects be detained and prevented from influencing witnesses as well as due to particularly aggravating circumstances of the committed crimes. It also sought detention for Josip Gucic due to the danger of escape. The Zagreb County Court today partially accepted the appeal and ruled detention for the suspects due to the aggravating circumstances of the committed crimes. Investigating judge Posavec said he would consider a request on an investigation after the questioning of all suspects. Asked whether an arrest warrant would be issued for Josip Gucic, Posavec said there was no need for such a measure at present since the court knew Gucic's whereabouts and Gucic had forwarded his medical documentation. (hina) mm rml