Šaranović at NYPD headquarters: Strengthening cooperation in the fight against organized crime

The relevant Minister Danilo Šaranović, as announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), spoke at the NYPD headquarters in New York with Rebecca Weiner, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism, as well as with the highest leaders of the sectors responsible for intelligence and counterterrorism activities of this police service.

It is stated that the meeting discussed current global security challenges, with a particular focus on the fight against terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, cyber threats, as well as improving cooperation between the security services of the two countries.

According to the statement, Šaranović emphasized that strengthening international cooperation and continuously improving the operational and institutional capacities of the Ministry of Interior and the Police Directorate represent one of the strategic priorities in the process of building a strong and resilient security system in Montenegro.

It is added that the interlocutors assessed that there is already high-quality and meaningful cooperation between the two countries, especially through programs supported by the US Embassy in Montenegro, including ICITAP and INL, which significantly contribute to strengthening the institutional and operational capacities of Montenegrin security services.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said that special emphasis was placed on the strong and partnership-based cooperation of Montenegrin institutions with the FBI and DEA, which is continuously developing through the implementation of joint activities aimed at combating transnational organized crime, drug smuggling, conducting complex financial investigations and dismantling international criminal networks.

"Šaranović and Vajner agreed that timely exchange of intelligence, coordinated action in the field and the implementation of joint operations are of crucial importance for an effective response to contemporary security challenges, especially given the increasingly international character of criminal activities and security threats," the statement said.

It is stated that Šaranović discussed with representatives of the NYPD Intelligence Bureau the improvement of cooperation in the field of protection and security of protected persons.

A special focus, as it is added, was on the exchange of experiences, modern operational practices and security risk assessment models, with the aim of further strengthening the capacities of Montenegrin security services and improving the standards of protection of senior state officials.

"At both meetings, the possibilities of additional exchange of experiences, professional development and organization of specialized training for Montenegrin police officers were also discussed, especially in the areas of cybersecurity, financial investigations, the fight against money laundering, analytical and intelligence work, as well as the security of protected persons," the statement concluded.