URGENT UPDATE: In a significant development today, former head of the Department for Suppressing Serious Crimes, Milorad Žižić, revealed at the High Court in Podgorica that serious criminal proceedings have been initiated against members of the notorious Kavač criminal clan. This announcement comes during ongoing testimonies linked to high-profile former officials, including Zoran Lazović and Milivoje Katnić, who face serious allegations of misconduct.
Žižić confirmed that former special prosecutor Saša Čađenović did not request the exclusion of any suspects from the ongoing investigations. His statements suggest a robust effort to address organized crime within Montenegro, particularly involving the Kavač and Škaljari clans, rival groups entrenched in violent criminal activities.
The urgency of these proceedings underscores the gravity of the criminal landscape in the region. “We have initiated procedures for the most serious criminal offenses,” Žižić stated, emphasizing that special prosecutors had been instrumental in identifying key witnesses willing to cooperate against the Kavač clan.
Detailing the investigation, Žižić noted that three witnesses were cooperating in cases linked to the Kavač clan, while another witness was involved in cases against the Škaljari group. The former police chief highlighted that the cooperation of these witnesses was crucial for proceeding against organized crime figures.
In a stark reminder of the risks associated with this line of work, Žižić mentioned threats made by Duško Roganović, a known member of the Kavač clan, against the family of a witness, Milan Kankaraš. He confirmed that there were no instructions from Čađenović to avoid gathering evidence against Roganović, asserting, “On the contrary, we had a priority to prosecute him.”
The court proceedings also shed light on procedural issues within law enforcement. Žižić stated that upon his appointment, the department faced severe operational challenges but managed to recruit quality inspectors, despite the tumultuous environment.
As the trial progresses, the implications are vast. The prosecution alleges that Lazović, Katnić, and Čađenović engaged in misconduct, including the alleged formation of a criminal organization that facilitated the operations of the Kavač clan. Notably, Lazović is accused of removing entry bans for notorious criminals from Serbia, including Veljko Belivuk and Marko Miljković, during critical periods in late 2020 and early 2021.
This trial is set to continue on March 5, 2024, with significant public interest as Montenegro grapples with its fight against organized crime. The outcome could reshape the landscape of law enforcement and accountability in the region.
Expect further developments as this case unfolds, highlighting the ongoing battle against organized crime in Montenegro and the implications for those involved in the judicial system.
