MARKO MARCINKO RELEASED FROM PRISON

ZAGREB, March 8 (Hina) - The Zagreb County Court on Monday released Marko Marcinko, one of four suspects in a case against employees of the "Glumina d.o.o." and "DEM" companies. Marcinko had been in custody since February 8, after being arrested on suspicion of abusing his powers and position, and forging documents. He was arrested after a several-month-long investigation in the "Glumina Banka" and the "Glumina d.o.o." company, conducted by the crime and financial police. Along with Marcinko, another six Glumina Banka employees were arrested under suspicion of issuing pro forma bills for non- existing services through the Irish company "Enterprises Channel", to the "Glumina d.o.o." and "DEM" companies. Between 1992 and 1996, the suspects caused financial damage of DM4.5 million. The defence proposed that Marcinko be released because, they said, after the questioning of all witnesses on March 4, there was no reason to further keep him in custody. The Court accepted the proposal and Marcinko was released today from the Remetinec district prison. In order to determine whether the suspects had been paying for real services or only "draining" money from their companies, the investigating judge requested information on the Irish company from the Interpol. The requested documentation has not yet been delivered. The investigation will proceed. (hina) it rml