Bečić: Yesterday's actions are further proof that the state has embarked on an uncompromising fight against organized crime

Yesterday's actions by the Special State Prosecutor's Office and the security sector represent yet another strong proof that the state has embarked on a decisive, systematic and uncompromising fight against organized crime, announced Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić.

As he pointed out, what they announced "is being confirmed every day."

"Arrests, prosecutions, investigations, dismantling criminal networks and narrowing the space for fugitives have become the new reality of Montenegro. The state no longer observes crime from a distance. The state finds it, prosecutes it, dismantles it and defeats it," the statement said.

"We are witnessing almost 100% resolution of serious crimes. In the period 2024-2026, 39 murders that occurred in the relevant period or earlier were resolved, including those resulting from a showdown between criminal clans, as well as 73 attempted murders, and 11 serious crimes were prevented. The competent authorities are equally decisively attacking the Skaljar, Kavača and all other organized crime groups, drug cartels and their logistical, financial, political and institutional supports. There are no privileged criminals, no protected groups, no untouchable individuals and there are no longer those who can count on someone's party, police or para-intelligence protection to save them from the law," they add.

Bečić points out that "the number of fugitives is decreasing, while the number of those prosecuted is increasing."

"Criminal circles are narrowing. The system is being cleansed, step by step, in accordance with the law, of criminal influences that have tried for years to capture institutions, humiliate the state and intimidate honest citizens. This is precisely why nervousness is growing in the ranks of crime. This is why we are seeing hybrid attacks, coordinated campaigns, subterfuge, pressure, attempts to discredit and brutal attacks on those who fight against organised crime. When the mafia cannot stop the state in its institutions, it tries to stop it with lies, nastiness and panic. But those times are over," he said.

He says that "Montenegro will no longer be a space where crime decides, the mafia orders, and the state remains silent. Montenegro will no longer be a hostage to criminal clans, their couriers, their connections, and their political lawyers."

"Every new blow to organized crime is proof that the state is getting stronger, that the law is doing its thing and that Montenegro is returning to itself. Step by step, decisively, legally and courageously until the final victory of the state and citizens, and the complete defeat and collapse of criminal structures that have believed for too long that they can live above the law, above institutions and above Montenegro," the statement concludes.