Contract Signed Before Oversight Established
The government of Republika Srpska signed a BAM 57 million agreement with the Chinese company ELINC for technology hardware and software before any independent oversight mechanism was established, according to an October 10, 2025 investigation by CAPITAL. The contract for powerful digital infrastructure was finalized while Dražen Višnjić, head of the Agency for Information and Communication Technologies of Republika Srpska (AIKT), stated he was only considering models for independent guardianship against potential abuse.
Višnjić publicly explained the technology project after the government had already committed public funds. The proposed system involved a combination of Chinese hardware and software, Russian organizational practices, and Israeli training components. When asked about safeguards, Višnjić did not point to an established independent oversight arrangement but instead praised Russian mechanisms of "control and supervision" in the name of protecting children.
The investigation highlighted the sequence of events, noting that by the time Višnjić provided public explanations of the project's components, the financial commitment had already been made. The AIKT head described a system spanning 15 locations designed to connect public institutions across the entity.
Propaganda Ties and Procurement Irregularities
AIKT confirmed plans to cooperate with Mikhail Zvinchuk, the leader of Russia’s Rybar propaganda network. This planned cooperation emerged alongside revelations regarding the agency's procurement processes. The agency launched a BAM 1 million advertising tender that entered its procurement plan just 12 minutes before the notice appeared publicly.
Further scrutiny focused on communications from an official AIKT email address in August 2025. A questionnaire exploring sanctions workarounds, alternative banking channels, and cryptocurrency payments circulated from this address. The agency subsequently denied involvement in the circulation of these materials.
Profile of the Agency Head
Višnjić is described as a military academy graduate and police interception specialist. He holds the position of presidential adviser and is recognized internationally as a cybercrime official. Reports also identify him as a director of a company, though specific details regarding that entity were not fully elaborated in the current investigation.
Historical Context of Surveillance Equipment
Journalist Slobodan Vasković reported in October 2011 that Višnjić operated interception equipment purchased for approximately BAM 1.5 million from the Belgrade company Vizus. At that time, Interior Minister Stanislav Čađo confirmed the acquisition and noted that substantial financing for the purchase came from Dodik’s presidential office.