The trial of attorney Dimitrije Dapčević, who is accused of money laundering for the leader of the Kavac crime clan, Radoje Zvicer, was set to commence today at the Higher Court in Podgorica. However, the main hearing has been rescheduled for March 19th.

The court decided to postpone the hearing to ensure that complete materials could be provided to the defendant and his legal team, allowing the defendant adequate time to prepare and present his defense effectively.

The court denied the defense’s request to lift the detention order.

The High Court is currently evaluating a proposal to accept a guarantee amounting to 1.35 million euros, secured through real estate pledged by family members, friends, and godparents of the defendant.

Furthermore, the court granted Dapčević’s request for the return of his confiscated laptop and phone, enabling him to address the various allegations made against him by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) in the indictment.

Special Prosecutor Zoran Vučinć did not oppose the return of these electronic devices, noting that the Special Police Department (SPO) had submitted a report regarding the seized items and their analysis on July 24, 2024.

The prosecutor stated that the content from the devices was copied onto a CD, a search was conducted, and all legal prerequisites for the retrieval of the items had been satisfied.

During the court proceedings, Dapčević mentioned that while he can present part of his defense, he is unable to comment on expert findings due to the seizure of all relevant correspondence with clients, particularly related to payments and withdrawals, which resides on the confiscated devices.

He pointed out that the communication records are vital for proving that the SDT’s account in the indictment is inaccurate.

Dapčević explained that he lacked access to essential documentation, including expert reports and the alleged Sky communication data.

His attorney, Miloš Vuksanović, echoed Dapčević’s concerns, stating that the defense has yet to receive complete case files, expert testimony, evidence, or documentation regarding the Sky communication, both during the indictment review hearing and now.

“Given the context of the entire case, although I understood the indictment textually, I struggle to comprehend it legally. I find the prosecutor’s narrative confusing. Today, I could only present my defense regarding the findings of the economic expert, as I do not possess that report. There are essential transactions documented on my phone, computer, and email, which have also been blocked. I need them returned to adequately present my defense. I cannot ascertain the specifics of what the expert analyzed,” Dapčević stated, among other remarks.

He expressed that he believes the prosecutor has created an alternative narrative in the indictment.

“The prosecutor made accusations based on the Sky communication; should that line of inquiry fail, he has resorted to relying on the expert’s findings,” Dapčević asserted.

Additionally, he requested the return of the funds taken from him, stressing that he has been out of work for 11 months and that this money was critical for him and his family, as law is his sole profession.

“If I had been engaged in the activities outlined in the indictment, I wouldn’t have been able to manage over 350 active cases working only ten hours a day. I would have limited myself to just three cases. My brother, lawyer Draško Dapčević, and attorney Vuksanović, along with several colleagues from Kotor, are currently assisting me. Understandably, lawyers earn based on performance,” Dapčević highlighted.

Attorneys Miloš Vuksanović and Draško Dapčević assured in their request for the lifting of detention that Dimitrije Dapčević would not flee.

They stated that should Dimitrije Dapčević escape, they would resign from the Bar Association, emphasizing that this is their only professional commitment.

Vuksanović clarified that while they are not withdrawing the bail request, they are also appealing to the court for the release of the detention.

“Dimitrije Dapčević is a family man; the thought of fleeing never crossed his mind. I declared during the investigation that I would resign from the Bar Association if he were to abscond. I propose the court releases him to defend himself while instituting appropriate measures,” Vuksanović stated.

In response, Special Prosecutor Zoran Vučinić opposed the defense’s request for the termination of detention.

The SDT has charged Dimitrije Dapčević, a lawyer from Budva, with the criminal offense of forming a criminal organization, along with two extended counts of money laundering and two additional counts of money laundering, totaling 2.6 million euros.

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