UPDATE: In a dramatic court hearing today, brothers Refik and Ernest Kardović vehemently denied allegations linking them to a major cigarette smuggling operation in Montenegro. The accusations, put forth by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office, claim they are part of a criminal organization led by the fugitive Vladimir Mijajlović.
The Kardović brothers, appearing in the High Court in Podgorica, stated, “We do not know why we are on the defendants’ bench, nor have we ever been in conflict with the law.” Their defense hinges on assertions of legal wealth accumulation, claiming their assets were acquired through legitimate means.
They highlighted their long history of hard work, stating they began earning at just 15 years old. Following the death of family members, they inherited significant property, which they insist stems from lawful business operations.
Ernest Kardović emphasized that there is a lack of any evidence, including messages or documents, linking them to alleged criminal activities. He lamented the loss of all their possessions, which they believe were unjustly seized during the investigation.
The indictment targets a ten-person group allegedly involved in smuggling cigarettes through the Port of Bar, with claims of creating a criminal organization, extended smuggling, and money laundering. The prosecution maintains that the group caused the Montenegrin budget a loss of at least €3.52 million through their illegal activities, which involved selling and concealing untaxed cigarettes for profit.
Defense attorneys have sharply criticized the indictment, pointing out significant shortcomings, particularly regarding evidence from Sky communications that forms the basis of much of the case. Lazar Aković, representing many of the accused, expressed concerns over the court’s tendency to confirm indictments without adequate justification.
“We are deciding on human destinies here,” Aković declared, emphasizing the lack of substantial or material evidence to support the charges.
Critics of the prosecution argue that essential documentation—such as invoices, transportation records, and supplier contacts—are entirely absent from the case files. Aković insists that without these elements, the indictment cannot stand.
Concerns were raised by other legal representatives regarding the reliability of the Sky communications evidence, which may soon be deemed invalid. Nikola Ivanović, defending one of the co-defendants, invoked the case of former police official Slavko Stojanović as a precedent for questioning the validity of such evidence.
With defendants in custody, the defense teams argue that they are hindered in their ability to prepare adequately for the case. Marko Radović, representing another accused individual, stated that the indictment is neither formally nor substantively ready for confirmation.
The court’s decision on the next steps is expected to be delivered within the legal timeframe, leaving the accused brothers and their families in a state of uncertainty as they await the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle.
This developing situation has significant implications for the Kardović brothers, their families, and the ongoing fight against organized crime in Montenegro. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and media will be closely watching for further updates.
