The trial of former Montenegro police director Veselin Veljović has been postponed until January 23, 2024, due to his serious health condition. This decision was announced by Judge Vesna Kovačević during proceedings at the Higher Court in Podgorica. The court received information regarding Veljović’s health from his attorney, Mihailo Volkov, via email, along with relevant medical documentation.
Between December 3 and December 17, 2023, Veljović underwent a total of five surgeries, leading to complications that have left him in a critical state. He is currently hospitalized abroad and placed in intensive care.
The Special State Prosecutor’s Office has accused Veljović of misconduct, alleging that he informed businessman Aleksandar Mrkić via the Sky application about a planned raid on a warehouse suspected of storing illegal cigarettes on December 22, 2020. This action allegedly constituted an abuse of his official position.
The indictment includes a total of 15 defendants, among them Veljović and Mrkić. Others implicated are Nikola Mrkić, Mujo Nikčević, Arsenije Kalezić, Stefan and Nikola Bubanja, Željko Bulatović, Dusica Bulatović, Predrag Veljić, Borislav Lečić, Nemanja Anđelković, Goran Gluščević, Nikola Bačilović, and Sadig Elnagar.
According to the investigation, the Special State Prosecutor’s Office is charging the defendants with serious crimes, including the creation of a criminal organization, two counts of smuggling, money laundering, and abuse of office. The prosecutors allege that Mrkić formed a criminal organization in 2018 that operated in Montenegro, with the aim of smuggling cigarettes from the Free Customs Zone of Port Bar and laundering the proceeds. Veljović is accused of becoming a member and, through his role, providing confidential information obtained during police operations to the organization.
The prosecution claims that Veljović communicated sensitive information, including details about planned raids, via encrypted communication, thereby facilitating the removal of evidence and obstructing police efforts to locate incriminating materials. As the case develops, the focus will remain on both the health of the accused and the serious allegations against him and the others involved.
