Former Rangers defender Borna Barisic has been charged with money laundering after police raided his home in Croatia, according to reports. The 33-year-old’s property was searched as part of an investigation by the Croatian Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK).
Investigation into alleged organised crime links
Investigators are examining alleged money laundering and activity linked to an organised crime gang, according to Croatian media outlet 24sata. Barisic, who spent six seasons at Ibrox, is the son of Stipe 'The Moth' Barisic, who is allegedly a top figure in the Cepin Mafia clan.
Local media reports suggest investigators suspect the footballer became involved in a money-laundering scheme centred on retired police officer Pero Dugandzic, the owner of security firm Noky Security. Dugandzic is alleged to have siphoned money from another company, SG Transport, registered in Vukovar, with investigators examining transactions involving Barisic.
Alleged transactions under scrutiny
Investigators suspect Dugandzic gave cash to the former Croatia international, who then returned the money to him while recording the payments as loans to SG Transport. Two alleged transactions worth €30,000 (£25,400) each are being investigated, meaning a total of €60,000 (£50,800) was allegedly involved.
Searches were carried out at the homes of Barisic, Dugandzic, and business associates Dragan and Sandra Gavric as part of the investigation. His father Stipe is also among several individuals targeted in an alleged illegal land swap between the Municipality of Cepin and the Albatros Group in 2025. Investigators reportedly believe the deal cost the municipality almost €500,000 (£425,000).
Wider investigation and background
The investigations are understood to be linked. Stipe is being probed alongside two Albatros Group business associates. The investigation also uncovered a branch of Noky Security reportedly shares the same headquarters as the Albatros Group.
Stipe previously received a 10-month sentence after being tied to an investigation into Croatian chief state attorney Radov Ortynski's cottage burning down in 2017. In 2022, he received a suspended 10-month jail term after confessing to purchasing and using the compromised secret service data to evade judicial scrutiny.
Barisic's current club Osijek, Croatian police, and USKOK have been approached for comment. Barisic remains best known to Scottish football fans for his stint at Rangers, where he became a regular starter at Ibrox after joining from his hometown club Osijek in 2018. He made more than 200 appearances and was part of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning side in 2020/21 while also picking up the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup before leaving the club in 2023. On the international stage, Barisic earned 35 caps and was part of the Croatia squad that won bronze at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
