Customs: We entered into all projects respecting procedures, reaching the truth and a just solution through legal proceedings

Our company has entered into all of its projects, including the all-inclusive resort in Baošići, the beach, and the resort in Kumbor, with full respect for all administrative procedures. The work on all of the above projects to date has been carried out on the basis of construction applications, building permits and decisions issued by the competent authorities, and in full accordance with the current spatial plan and its guidelines. As investors, we have relied on the decisions of the Government of Montenegro and local institutions and acted within the framework of the obtained approvals.

This was announced by the Carine company, after its owner, Podgorica businessman Čedomir Popović, was arrested for building a hotel in Baošići and filling the beach allegedly beyond the dimensions allowed by the building permits, thereby devastating the coast, which is part of the world's natural and cultural heritage under the patronage of UNESCO.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić promised that the Government would terminate this and all other contracts for the construction of investment beaches on the Montenegrin coast and said that the filling of the sea in Baošići must be stopped urgently, but the contract has not yet been terminated.

Customs called on the public to exercise restraint and objectivity, and said that they would make every effort to, as they said, resolve concerns exclusively through the institutions of the system.

"Regarding current events and media releases regarding the operations of the company 'Carine' doo in Boka Kotorska, we are addressing the public, the citizens of Herceg Novi, business partners and all interested parties. As a family company, which has been investing exclusively in Montenegro for decades, we consider it important to provide additional context at this time and point out facts of importance for understanding the situation. First of all, we would like to emphasize that the company 'Carine' has been building the status of one of the most reliable entities in the Montenegrin economy for more than three decades, taking into account the regular payment of all taxes and obligations to the budget of Montenegro, which is confirmed by our status on the white list of taxpayers, but also the status of the highest level of creditworthiness and client reliability with leading banks. Aware of the importance of social responsibility, we have constantly invested in the local community and together built a sustainable and quality living environment, with the company investing more than a million euros in these initiatives in the past few years alone," reads a press release signed by the company's management.

It is added that the Popović family and the "Carine" company created new values ​​inspired by the values ​​of Boka Kotorska and the state of Montenegro.

"Our vision is the development of high-class tourism that will further position Baošići and the Herceg Novi municipality on the map of the most prestigious destinations, while maximally preserving natural and cultural potential. We have confirmed this vision with our work so far, and we are proud to point out that for seven months a year we manage to host visitors from all over Europe. Together with our employees, whose number we expect to double with the opening of the resort in Baošići, we promote the cultural and natural wealth of Montenegro, including through thematically designed excursions, with the aim of our guests getting to know Montenegrin sights and beauties in a truly and deeply experiential way.

"In the spirit of values ​​that are deeply rooted in our society, that truth and justice are defended with dignity and without harm to others, we will make every effort to resolve doubts exclusively through the institutions of the system," the statement said.

Customs officials said that despite the fact that Popović was remanded in custody, contrary to what they point out is the usual judicial practice for such proceedings, they want to believe the institutions of the system. They expressed their belief that through legal proceedings, based on facts and documentation, and not on media interpretations, the truth and a just solution will be reached.

"Aware of the responsibility we have towards protecting the jobs of almost 300 employees, their families, the local community in which we operate, business partners and tourists who spend more than 7 months in our tourist facilities, we will continue, as before, to operate in accordance with all laws of the state that is our only home. We call on the public to exercise restraint and objectivity. Our focus remains on preserving business stability, caring for our employees and their families, and our readiness to fully contribute to clarifying all doubts within the institutions of the system, in the best interest of our city and the state," the statement concludes.