Filip Mihalić secretly buried in Varaždin as doubts persist over his death
Burial in Varaždin took place without prior notice; authorities say Dominican documents confirming death were authenticated.
Filip Mihalić, the 27-year-old Croatian businessman who had been charged in a large fake COVID test case, was buried in Varaždin without prior public notification, renewing doubts about the circumstances of his death in the Dominican Republic.
Authorities released documents confirming the death but questions remain
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the company that manages the Varaždin cemetery have published paperwork that they say proves Mihalić died abroad and that his remains were repatriated lawfully. Among the documents submitted to Croatian officials were a death extract issued by the National Registry agency of the Dominican Republic and an authorization from that country’s Ministry of Public Health approving the transport of the remains.
Officials say the authenticity of the Dominican documents was verified through the relevant official systems. The documentation and related information were forwarded to the Croatian police and to the State Attorney’s Office for any further action within their competence.
Although the farewell had been initially scheduled for 28 August, Mihalić was buried today in Varaždin. That change of date and the decision to hold the burial without prior announcement have intensified speculation that has surrounded the case since news of his death abroad first emerged.
Sources close to the family say Mihalić had been staying in the Dominican Republic for some time and was reportedly in very good physical condition. He allegedly injured himself on an excursion, sought treatment at an emergency service, received therapy and was discharged for home care. After leaving the hospital he suddenly became ill and, according to those sources, died of a heart attack.
The case draws extra attention because of the serious criminal charges pending against Mihalić in Croatia. He and his father, Anđelko Mihalić, a former MP for the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), were accused of misappropriation connected to the sale of counterfeit rapid antigen COVID tests. According to the indictment, between August 2022 and May 2023 the father and son, as responsible persons at the company Burjen, allegedly organized procurement and sale of non-original tests presented as genuine products of a Chinese manufacturer. The indictment claims a factory in Istanbul produced roughly 1.32 million test units designed to imitate the originals in appearance, composition and packaging. The tests were imported into Croatia through Burjen and sold as original products, reaching markets in Greece, Romania, Austria, Spain and Germany. Prosecutors allege the Mihalić family gained unlawful financial benefit of nearly €446,000; other reporting cited a figure of €450,000.
Photo: press material from the event
