The key to a successful fight against crime is strengthening domestic institutions in terms of personnel, operations and regulations, as well as strengthening international cooperation, said Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Montenegro for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy.
He spoke ahead of the presentation of the work of the First Standing Committee for Political and Security Cooperation, as part of the 20th anniversary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), which is gathering around 250 participants from 25 countries in Budva.
Bečić said that it is a great honor for Montenegro to host such a significant international parliamentary forum in the very year when it marks 20 years since the restoration of independence and is making significant progress on its European path:
"Montenegro is making strong strides on its European path. Two and a half years ago, this government found the European integration process almost blocked. Through joint work, we managed to unblock that process, close 11 negotiation chapters and bring it into what is called the finale," Bečić emphasized.
Speaking about contemporary security challenges, Bečić warned that organized crime operates by ignoring borders and divisions, which is why the response of states must be even stronger partnership and coordination:
"Organized crime knows no borders. Organized crime knows no religions and nations. Criminals communicate very easily, they do not look at differences and quickly agree to undermine systems and institutions. That is why my call is always for international cooperation, for the exchange of information and data, because we can all benefit from cooperation. From non-cooperation and confrontation, everyone loses, and organized crime groups then become the ones with the advantage," said Bečić.
He emphasized that the key to a successful fight against crime is strengthening domestic institutions in terms of personnel, operations and regulations, as well as strengthening international cooperation.
"Human resources are of course the essence. People are the foundation of everything. You have everything else for nothing if you don't have the right people in decision-making positions. That is why the process of vetting and cleaning the system of unauthorized influences and compromised personnel is being carried out resolutely in accordance with the law, because one rotten apple can spoil the whole bag. One compromised individual can, for example, jeopardize actions that have been prepared for months," said Bečić.
He particularly emphasized the importance of creating space for professionals and the new generation.
"It is important that people in the system now see that professionals are at the helm of key institutions in the fight against crime, that professionals are leading the processes and dictating the pace. We are also opening doors for young people, giving a chance to new people and new energy, in order to create a winning combination of healthy experience and new energy," said Bečić.
Speaking about the results of the fight against organized crime and corruption, Bečić pointed to the concrete results of the institutions and the historic level of international cooperation.
"International cooperation today is at a historic high and it was the key to having decisive and effective numerous actions against drug cartels, tobacco mafia and other forms of crime. In Montenegro, you already have confirmed indictments or first-instance verdicts against numerous former leaders and officials of the judiciary, prosecution, executive branch, security institutions, agencies and other institutions. Those responsible in various fields are demonstrating the state's determination to heal institutions and create a strong and resilient system," said Bečić.
He particularly emphasized the importance of the financial crackdown on organized crime groups.
"The point is to deal strong institutional blows to organized crime groups, but also to take away their financial power. Last year, around two million square meters of various properties and around 70 million euros in the accounts of persons involved in criminal proceedings were blocked in Montenegro. Seizing illegally acquired property is one of the most direct and effective blows to organized crime," said Bečić.
Speaking about contemporary challenges, he pointed to hybrid actions and abuses of new technologies.
"Hybrid action represents a challenge of the modern era. Hoaxes, lies, monstrosities, with the help of modern technologies, aim to degrade the system and slow down reforms due to the immense fear, panic and nervousness of organized crime due to the determination of the state, numerous actions, arrests and prosecutions. In Montenegro, such handwritings of organized crime and their servants always cause additional motivation among all officials and professionals to continue even stronger, because ultimately there is no one who can be stronger than the state and finally the state deals strong blows to organized crime every day," Bečić pointed out.
At the end of his address, the Deputy Prime Minister sent a strong message of peace, dialogue, and a shared future.
"It was nice to see here yesterday how high-ranking officials from countries that have had a difficult and painful experience until recently are sitting at the same table and approaching this parliamentary dimension. We cannot change the past, but together we can shape a secure future. If we preserve peace, we can all be winners. When there is no peace, there are no winners!", concluded Bečić.
At the end of the event, the PAM chairman presented Bečić with a plaque of gratitude.
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