Russians were being taken money from Mareza? First results of investigation into unusual stay of foreign citizens in suburb

Some of the more than 50 foreign citizens found on Mareza had been living and working in Montenegro for months, and the police suspect that some of them are hackers who were withdrawing money from the accounts of Russian citizens, "Vijesti" has learned unofficially from several sources.

They were found two nights ago in a house in that Podgorica suburb, during a police operation in which, as the Police Directorate (UP) officially announced yesterday, hundreds of digital devices, sophisticated equipment and a large amount of money were found.

According to the newspaper's unofficial information, foreign citizens came to Montenegro successively, and some of them have been in the country for more than half a year.

During that time, "Vijesti" was told, they worked for a company whose headquarters were in a house on Mareza.

Video: Boris Pejović

The criminal investigation of the foreigners found is ongoing, with the engagement of translators, and the case is under the jurisdiction of the Basic State Prosecutor's Office (ODT) in Podgorica.

According to the same information, some of the foreigners found in that house will have their residence in Montenegro revoked, while others will be held criminally liable.

Video: Boris Pejović

The Police Directorate did not provide details about these suspicions yesterday, but officially announced that, in cooperation and coordination with the prosecutor's office, they are conducting complex police-prosecutorial activities in the investigation phase and that the checks relate to more than 50 foreign citizens.

According to a police statement, they are predominantly Ukrainian citizens, as well as citizens of Moldova and Slovakia.

The security institution said that their officers, based on previously conducted activities, located and identified a large house on Mareza, after which, as they stated, they entered the building in accordance with the law.

The police announced that more than 50 foreign nationals were found in the house on that occasion, after which a search was conducted and the condition of the facility was documented in detail, as well as equipment, devices and other material found that the police believe is important for the further course of the proceedings.

Hundreds of digital devices seized

The UP stated that during these activities, several hundred digital devices and other elements of sophisticated equipment were found.

"During the activities carried out, several hundred digital devices and other elements of sophisticated equipment were found, the quantity and scope of which were such that, in order to be adequately deployed, they had to be transported by a freight vehicle. The search also found a large amount of money, the origin and connection of which with the activities will also be the subject of further checks. As part of further activities, the Police Directorate is checking the basis of the residence and work of these persons in Montenegro, their activities, movements, as well as the purpose and method of use of the found sophisticated digital equipment and devices, and any possible connection with illegal activities," the security institution announced.

They also pointed out that, due to the complexity of the case, the director of the Police Directorate Lazar Scepanovic formed an Operations Team.

"...Composed of several groups of police officers specializing in cybersecurity and high-tech crime, financial investigations and money laundering, international operational cooperation, as well as affairs in the field of foreigners and migration, with the strong support of the National Security Agency, which will, in coordination with the competent state prosecutor's office, take further measures and actions," the UP announced.

They also state that, in coordination with the prosecutor's office, they are undertaking a series of specific investigative, evidentiary and other urgent measures and actions in order to establish the facts and circumstances relevant to the case.

Yesterday, the Police Directorate did not provide details about what they specifically suspect, nor did they announce that any of the foreign nationals are suspected of a specific criminal offense.

They stated that due to the interest of the proceedings and the complexity of the criminal investigation, they are currently unable to provide more details, so as not to jeopardize the further course of the investigation.

According to the police statement, after the implementation of the planned police-prosecutorial activities, the public will be informed about the outcome of the measures taken and the checks carried out, to the extent that the further course of the procedure allows.

The Police Department also announced that they are continuing activities aimed at detecting security risks and high-risk threats and neutralizing their activities on the territory of Montenegro.

"The Police Directorate continues intensive and continuous activities aimed at uncovering and detecting security risks and high-risk threats, with the aim of neutralizing their activities on the territory of Montenegro," the statement reads.