Prva Banka: We strongly condemn UP's unjustified action against assets and clients

The First Bank of Montenegro announced today that it "strongly condemns the unjustified action of the Police Directorate (PD) against the Bank's assets and clients."

"The entire Montenegrin public witnessed disturbing scenes in which employees and clients of the Bank were subjected to treatment under the long-range PJP, without any officially presented legal basis or explanation. Such treatment caused serious distress and potential consequences for the dignity and health of the Bank's employees, the security personnel engaged, as well as the clients who happened to be in the branch at that moment," the statement from Prva Banka states.

The bank added that they equally do not accept "the continuous campaigns of certain media outlets that use every opportunity to present the First Bank of Montenegro in a negative context."

"We assess the way in which current events are being interpreted as tendentious and populist, with the obvious intention of discrediting Prva Banka Crne Gore as a relevant and stable economic entity. We are convinced that it is precisely the strong trend, record business results and increasingly prominent market position that represent the context in which attempts to challenge the Bank's reputation are intensifying. We would like to remind you that in the previous year we achieved the best financial result in the Bank's history, with significant growth in assets, loan portfolio and deposit base, as well as strengthening market share in several business segments. Such results are not accidental, but are a direct consequence of strategic consolidation, improved management practices and a focus on sustainable growth," the statement reads.

The First Bank of Montenegro said that they remain determined to protect "their institutional integrity, the interests of their clients and shareholders, as well as the right to equal and professional treatment in public space."

"We will insist on establishing responsibility and take all available legal and institutional steps. We would like to remind you that, despite the Bank's official inquiry to the competent authorities, we have not received an official explanation of the legal basis and reasons for the actions taken," the Management of the Bank of Montenegro said.

Members of the Special Police Unit (PJP) yesterday also searched part of the security of the First Bank of Montenegro, owned by Aco Đukanović, brother of former Prime Minister and President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović. Yesterday, the police surrounded the building in the center of Podgorica where Aco Đukanović lives, and in that building, on Vuka Karadžića Street, there is also a branch of the First Bank. Several expensive watches were listed and photographed during the search of the apartment of businessman Aco Đukanović, and the police also photographed certain documentation, arranged in several binders. According to information from "Vijesti", these are expensive wristwatches.

The police entered the building where Aco Đukanović lives, in the center of Podgorica, yesterday around 13 p.m., when a strong police force surrounded the residential and business building.

Previously, plainclothes inspectors were deployed for hours around the building on Vuka Karadžića Street.

The search began only after members of the Special Police Unit (PJP), armed with long guns, and one group with a means for violently breaking down doors in their hands, deployed in formation at all entrances to the building.

"Vijesti" unofficially learned that police officers entered some rooms by force - by breaking down doors.

Previously, members of the PJP also searched part of the security of Đukanović's Prva Banka, whose branch is located in the aforementioned building.

Prva Banka announced yesterday that, due to the temporary external blockade of both access points to the bank's branch and the inability to access the branch due to the presence of members of the PJP, they will request the competent authorities to submit an official and clear explanation of the activities undertaken as soon as possible.

Aco Đukanović was arrested during the night after police found weapons during a search of his house in Nikšić.