This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/inside-republika-srpskas-chinese-tech-deal-and-russian-influence-network. An FBI-honored cyber chief, a 57M BAM Chinese deal, and Russian propaganda ties: the secret contracts of Dodik’s digital insider. Check more stories related to cybersecurity at: https://hackernoon.com/c/cybersecurity. You can also check exclusive content about #cybersecurity, #geopolitics, #politics, #foreign-policy, #surveillance, #privacy, #digital-forensics, #cybercrime, and more. This story was written by: @digitalpower. Learn more about this writer by checking @digitalpower's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com. Dražen Višnjić’s story is where cybersecurity, political influence, and Russian connections collide. As a former high-tech crime official turned adviser to Milorad Dodik and head of Republika Srpska’s IT agency, Višnjić found himself connected to some major technology deals and increasingly uncomfortable questions. A BAM 57 million agreement with Chinese company ELINC raised concerns about surveillance, data access, and oversight. Meanwhile, a BAM 1 million advertising tender at the agency attracted scrutiny over its procurement process, and planned cooperation with Russia’s Rybar network sparked questions about foreign influence. Things got even more complicated when a questionnaire reportedly sent from an official agency email explored alternative banking channels, cryptocurrency, and ways around EU sanctions for Russian technology businesses. The agency denied involvement, and the available reporting does not establish that Višnjić personally authored the document. These developments do not automatically prove wrongdoing, but they raise serious questions about transparency, public spending, and accountability. The bigger issue is simple: when government agencies control sensitive technology and public money, who keeps them in check?
