Police Directorate on detention of 50 foreign nationals: Hundreds of sophisticated devices and equipment seized, Šćepanović forms Operational Team
The Police Directorate has issued a statement regarding the major operation in Podgorica in which more than 50 foreign nationals were detained, saying that complex police-prosecutorial activities are currently in the inquiry phase. Authorities are conducting checks on the suspects, most of whom are Ukrainian nationals, along with citizens of Moldova and Slovakia. The individuals were found yesterday in a large house where a significant quantity of sophisticated digital equipment, devices and cash was also discovered.
- Based on previously undertaken proactive activities, Police Directorate officers located and identified the property in question - a large house in Mareza, Podgorica - after which they entered the premises in accordance with the law. More than 50 foreign nationals were found inside. A search was conducted, and the situation at the scene, as well as the equipment, devices and other material of relevance to the further course of the proceedings, was thoroughly documented - the Police Directorate said in a statement.
According to the statement, the operation resulted in the discovery of several hundred digital devices and other elements of sophisticated equipment. The quantity and volume were such that, in order to properly document and process the material, it had to be transported in a cargo vehicle.
A substantial amount of cash was also found during the search. Its origin and any connection to the activities in question will be subject to further checks.
- As part of the further activities, the Police Directorate is verifying the legal basis for these persons’ residence and employment in Montenegro, their activities and movements, as well as the purpose and manner in which the sophisticated digital equipment and devices found were being used, including any potential links to unlawful activities - the statement said.
Given the complexity of the case, Police Directorate Director Lazar Šćepanović has established an Operational Team consisting of several groups of police officers specialising in cybersecurity and high-tech crime, financial investigations and money laundering, international operational cooperation, as well as matters concerning foreigners and migration. The team will receive strong support from the National Security Agency and, according to the Police Directorate, will take further measures and actions in coordination with the competent state prosecutor’s office.
- The Police Directorare, in full and active coordination with the competent State Prosecutor’s Office, is undertaking a series of specific investigative, evidentiary and other urgent measures and actions aimed at fully establishing all facts and circumstances relevant to this case - the statement said.
Citing the interests of the proceedings and the complexity of the criminal investigation, police said they were currently unable to provide further details in order not to jeopardise the continuation of the inquiry.
- Following the completion of the planned police-prosecutorial activities, and to the extent permitted by the conduct of the proceedings, law enforcement authorities will inform the public in a timely manner about the outcome of the activities undertaken and the checks conducted. The Police Directorate continues its intensive and ongoing activities aimed at identifying and detecting security risks and high-risk threats, with the objective of neutralising their activities on the territory of Montenegro - the statement concluded.