One-month detention after bomb attack near Sarajevo bus stop linked to catering tender

Five suspects were ordered held for one month yesterday by the Municipal Court in Sarajevo after a police operation codenamed “Catering” that targeted a string of threats and attacks in the city’s catering and business circles.

The suspects now in custody are Admir Arnautović, Anel Sejfović, Adnan Maglić, Mirsad Mujkić and Hamza Asotić; authorities say they were detained because they might influence witnesses, conceal evidence or repeat criminal acts. All five have been transferred to the Igman Penitentiary.

Bomb placed next to a bus stop, allegedly to pressure a rival baker

Investigators say the case stems from a heated dispute over a lucrative contract for supplying prepared meals to Kovačići Primary School in Novo Sarajevo. The tender, worth about 170,000 convertible marks, was awarded to the company led by Asim Kraljić, who is also the manager for singer Dino Merlin.

Prosecutors allege that Mirsad Mujkić, owner of the Nerro bakery, attempted to force Kraljić to withdraw from the tender, initially by sending threatening phone messages. One message received by Kraljić on March 7, 2026 warned: "These two bombs are not because of Dino Merlin, but because of the takeover of the operations — and it will continue."

According to the indictment, the most dangerous attack occurred on January 26, 2026. Authorities say a hand grenade was placed in front of the “Slatko i Slano” business on Alipašina Street — directly next to a bus stop — and that the device had been frozen with the fuse removed and then sprinkled with salt to speed thawing. The explosive reportedly detonated at around 01:51, damaging the shop window and causing substantial material losses.

Police documents name Elvir Hasić as the person who placed the device, acting on instructions from Admir Arnautović and at the behest of Mujkić. A doctor from Travnik, Midhat Asotić, was also detained in the operation but was given prohibition measures and did not attend the court hearing due to ill health.

The investigation remains open. Prosecutors say the attack could have had far graver consequences given the device’s proximity to public transport; for now the five suspects will stay in custody for one month while inquiries continue.

Photo: press material from the event