UPDATE: In a major development today, former head of the Department for Suppressing Serious Crimes, Milorad Žižić, revealed in the High Court of Podgorica that serious criminal proceedings have been initiated against members of the notorious Kavac criminal clan. This announcement adds urgency to ongoing investigations into organized crime in Montenegro.
During his testimony, Žižić confirmed that former special prosecutor Saša Čađenović did not request the exclusion of any individuals from the ongoing cases. These statements come amid a high-profile trial involving former senior police official Zoran Lazović and former chief special prosecutor Milivoje Katnić, alongside suspended prosecutor Čađenović, who faces accusations of colluding with criminal organizations.
Žižić emphasized the critical role of special prosecutors in determining which individuals would be granted witness cooperation status. “I believe three cooperating witnesses were involved in cases related to the Kavac clan,” he stated, detailing that evidence collection against the Kavac members was complex and ongoing. This starkly contrasts with the earlier prosecutions against their rivals, the Škaljars, who were dealt with first due to the volume of evidence available.
The former chief underscored a significant point regarding Duško Roganović, identified as a member of the Kavac group. He clarified that there were no directives from Čađenović to halt evidence collection against him. “On the contrary, we prioritized the prosecution of Roganović,” Žižić asserted, revealing the intricate dynamics within the investigation.
As the trial unfolds, attention is drawn to Jovan Žmukić, another alleged member of the Kavac clan, who reportedly threatened the family of a cooperating witness. Žižić confirmed that actions were taken to arrest him, countering allegations of favoritism within the justice system.
The court proceedings, which have been marked by intense scrutiny, are set to continue on March 5, 2024. The implications of these testimonies are profound, as they could reshape the landscape of organized crime prosecution in Montenegro.
As the situation develops, the public remains eager for further updates on how these revelations will affect high-ranking officials and their potential connections to criminal activities. The investigation highlights ongoing challenges within the Montenegrin legal system in tackling organized crime effectively.
Stay tuned as we monitor this critical case and its far-reaching consequences for law enforcement and public safety in the region.
