Between November 2020 and September 2021, a high-ranking officer in Bosnia and Herzegovina's Border Police, Rejhan Raković, orchestrated a bribery scheme that allowed unqualified candidates to secure jobs in the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the president of the Commission for the Selection of Cadets, Raković abused his position to manipulate recruitment score in exchange for cash bribes.

The scheme involved a group of associates, including Border Police officer Ensar Salčinović, Raković’s subordinate, and Kenit Čakić, a personal friend of Raković. Later, Armin Otuzbir joined the group. Their role was to identify job applicants willing to pay for favourable treatment and collect bribes.

Witness testimony revealed how the group operated. Candidates who applied for cadet positions were subjected to rigorous written tests, physical evaluations, and interviews. However, those who paid bribes were guaranteed passing score and favourable recommendations from Raković's commission.

Authorities launched an investigation after multiple complaints and reports of irregularities in the recruitment process. The investigation uncovered financial transactions, intercepted communications and witness testimonies that directly implicated Raković and his network.

In September 2022, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed the indictment against Raković, Salčinović, Čakić and others for conspiracy, bribery and abuse of office. At their first hearing in December 2022, Raković and Čakić pleaded not guilty. However, as the trial progressed, overwhelming evidence led to a settlement in September 2023 resulting in verdicts, after all the accused, including Raković and Čakić, pleaded guilty.

Raković received a four-year prison sentence, while Čakić was sentenced to one year in prison and a fined of 1,000 KM (US$530). Both were deprived of the property benefit acquired by the crime, 58,000 KM (US$30,800) and 25,900 EUR (US$26,900) from Raković, and 1,600 KM (US$850) from Čakić. Additionally, they were barred from holding any police or government position for five years. Otuzbir, who cooperates with investigators, received a conditional sentence and a fine.

The case highlights systemic corruption within Bosnia's law enforcement and the broader public sector. The fact that job positions in a critical security agency were essentially "for sale" raises serious concerns about the integrity of institutions meant to uphold the rule of law. It also raises security concerns-if unqualified individuals can buy their way into law enforcement, the risks to public safety increase significantly.

While the verdict represents a step toward accountability, many argue that the sentences are too lenient given the gravity of the crime. However, the case has set a precedent - corruption at high levels will not go unpunished.