Jankovic, who was the chairman of Mercator from 1997 to 2006, and three other former leading employees of the retailer, are also being investigated on suspicion of abuse of office.

According to online gossip and news site Požareport, Janković is now suspected of causing damage to creditors, tax evasion, abuse of office and money laundering in an 11-page document dated 6 January 2011.

The anti-graft body spokesperson Polona Osrajnik told the STA that the commission had been informed of the charges against Janković this week.

"The commission will study the issue in line with its powers under the act on integrity and prevention of corruption and take into consideration the fact that preliminary proceedings are under way at another authority," she said.

Similarly, criminal police spokesman Drago Menegalija told the STA that the police would also study the case and launch the necessary proceedings if the suspicions were confirmed.