INDICTMENT COLLAPSES: Baković: Belivuk and Miljković were not banned from entering Montenegro

Serbian nationals Veljko Belivuk and Marko Miljković, high-ranking members of the „Kavač“ criminal clan, were not subject to a ban on entering Montenegro, former Deputy Director of the Police Directorate for the Criminal Investigation Sector Enis Baković stated before the High Court.

The charge brought by prosecutor Miloš Šoškić - that the ban on entry for Belivuk and Miljković had been lifted at the request of former Deputy Director of the Police Directorate for the Organized Crime Sector Zoran Lazović - was effectively dismantled through his testimony.

Although the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SSPO) had claimed that Baković was a key witness, he was unequivocal today in stating that no ban had existed, but rather only an operational measure applied to persons of security interest.

Zoran Lazović, former Chief Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnić and Special Prosecutor Saša Čađenović are on trial on charges that they subordinated their official positions to the „Kavač“ criminal group. All of them have categorically denied the allegations in their defense.

Prosecutor Miloš Šoškić objected to Baković’s testimony, claiming it contradicted the evidence and his statements during the investigation, and that it was also contrary to the Law on Foreigners.

On the other hand, one of Lazović’s defense attorneys, Zoran Piperović, was categorical in stating that the very fact the prosecutor relied on the Law on Foreigners - which is not addressed in the indictment - clearly shows that the indictment is doomed to fail.

- Baković was previously portrayed as a hero by certain media outlets, politicians, and parties, and today confusion has arisen because he stated that no ban existed - Piperović said.

In his testimony, Baković explained that in 2018 an operational measure was imposed on Belivuk and Miljković because they were considered persons of security interest. The measure was introduced based on information received from Serbia, followed by an analysis conducted by Montenegrin police, after which it was decided to place the measure next to their names.

- All persons whose names had an operational measure imposed had to be reported by border police upon arrival at the border. After that, a decision would be made on whether they would be allowed to enter Montenegro - Baković explained.

If authorities decided to allow a security-interest person to enter Montenegro, often at the request of partner services, that person would be placed under surveillance, with particular attention paid to their contacts and activities while in Montenegro.

Baković stated that in December 2020 Lazović made a verbal request for the operational measure on Belivuk and Miljković to be removed due to work on a specific case.

- I saw nothing controversial in that. I issued an order to Aleksandar Bošković and he informed me afterward that he had removed the measure. I informed Lazović of this - Baković said.

According to him, the details of the conversation with Lazović were conveyed to Bošković. The witness added that he did not ask Lazović which case they were working on, nor did he have any reason to suspect wrongdoing.

- I would also emphasize that there was no rulebook governing how a person is placed under an operational measure - Baković stated.

Answering questions from attorney Piperović, Baković said that Belivuk and Miljković represented a threat to national security. He also noted that no list exists of individuals considered a threat to national security.

- I am not aware of any body within the Ministry of Interior that decides whether a person may stay in Montenegro or not - Baković said.

Asked by Piperović about the prevention of an attempted assassination of Belivuk and Miljković in Montenegro, Baković said that, in his opinion, the operation had been successful.

Responding to a question from attorney Stefan Jovanović, Baković said that his cooperation with Lazović had been professional and that Lazović had never asked him to do anything illegal.

In response to Lazović’s question, the witness stated that he had never had information indicating that Lazović had contacts with Radoje Zvicer or any member of an organized criminal group.

- Through my work, I am not aware that Lazović privileged any individual, nor did I receive such information from partner services - Baković said.

After the prosecutor noted that his testimony differed from what he had stated during the investigation, Baković commented that both then and now he had recounted everything „from A to Z“.

At today’s hearing, witness Zoran Borozan was also examined. He worked on Katnić’s property during 2017 and 2018.

The trial will continue tomorrow with the examination of additional witnesses, while attorney Piperović announced that he would seek the lifting of detention for his client Lazović.