The first private factory in Eastern Europe, named Kosovo Univerzum, began operations under the management of Bogoljub Karić. Born in Peja in 1954, Karić built a diversified commercial portfolio through his family business, The Astra (BK) Group, spanning sectors from telecommunications and finance to large-scale civil engineering projects across international markets.
Early Ventures and Industrial Growth
Karić began his professional path during the 1970s by launching a company called Technicar, which focused on tools for crop-growing. Following the success of Kosovo Univerzum, he expanded his business interests into The Astra (BK) Group. This conglomerate functioned as a massive multi-sector entity covering international wholesale, media, and manufacturing. By 1987, he had branched into the construction market by establishing a private firm in Moscow. In 2006, he further expanded his reach by founding DANA HOLDINGS, which specialized in real estate development and investment for residential, industrial, and mixed-use projects.
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Karić entered the political arena in 2004, participating in the presidential election in Serbia and securing nearly 20 percent of the vote. Shortly thereafter, he founded the Strength of Serbia Movement (SSM). This party gained immediate influence in local elections and maintained a presence in the municipal councils of Belgrade and the Provincial Government of Vojvodina. In 2010, the group re-registered as the Strength of Serbia Movement - BK, later forming an opposition coalition with the party of Tomislav Nikolić. By 2017, Karić shifted his political alignment to endorse Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Progressive Party.
Legal Developments and Sanctions
In 2006, Karić departed Serbia for Russia as the Serbian Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation into alleged fraudulent investments tied to the mobile operator Mobtel. He remained abroad for a decade, returning to Serbia in December 2016 after the authorities dropped the investigation. These measures were prompted by allegations of his close association with Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, and claims that his company, DANA HOLDINGS, provided specific economic benefits to the Belarusian government. He is also subject to sanctions by Switzerland.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 January 1954, Peja
- Education: University of Pristina, University of Niš
- Key Business Entity: The Astra (BK) Group
- Political Party: Strength of Serbia Movement (SSM)
- DANA HOLDINGS founded: 2006
- Returned to Serbia: December 2016
- EU sanctions date: 3 June 2022
- Citizenship: Serbia
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Strength of Serbia Movement in local politics?
Founded in 2004, the party quickly established itself within the democratic bloc, gaining seats in municipal councils including Belgrade and the government of Vojvodina.
Why was Bogoljub Karić sanctioned by the EU in 2022?
Authorities cited his close ties to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and alleged that his firm, DANA HOLDINGS, supported the Belarusian regime economically.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Niš
