The investigation into the case of the missing valuable painting from the director’s office of “Ulcinj Riviera” and the incident at the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly, where a session was disrupted by spilled chemical agents, remains stalled.

The Ulcinj Basic State Prosecutor’s Office (ODT) informed “Vijesti” that there has been no update indicating that the police have identified those responsible for these incidents.

“We would like to inform you that, regarding both incidents, cases have been opened in our office against unidentified culprits. The ODT in Ulcinj has requested the Police Directorate of the Ulcinj Regional Police Station to gather information. This ordered the police to collect the necessary data and take the legally prescribed measures within their authority to discover and identify the offenders. Additionally, we want to clarify that the officers from the Ulcinj Regional Police Station have yet to inform us of any discoveries or identifications concerning the individuals in question.”

On April 22nd last year, a report was filed with the Ulcinj police expressing suspicions regarding the authenticity of a painting by renowned Montenegrin painter Voj Stanić, which is located in the official premises of HTP “Ulcinjska rivijera.” The report was submitted by the former executive director of the hotel and tourism company, Camil Hoxha.

The Police Administration at the time informed “Vijesti” that the painting in question had been seized and is currently held at the Ulcinj Security Department.

“It is suspected that this is a replica, while the original painting, which was previously in the mentioned office, has not yet been located. Information has been collected from 10 individuals regarding the incident. The painting will undergo necessary expert examination upon the order of the Basic State Prosecutor, while the police continue to take measures and actions to shed light on the case.”

“Vijesti” reported in mid-May last year that Ulcinj inspectors were probing into how a painting valued at tens of thousands of euros was stolen, with a fake later being placed on the wall in its stead.

An investigator speaking to “Vijesti” at the time explained that the expert provides an assessment of what the value of the original painting would be:

“An expert witness does not need to have access to the original artwork to give an opinion. They can also assess the authenticity of the painting presented to them for examination.”

Several individuals interviewed by “Vijesti” from HTP “Ulcinjska rivijera” confirmed that the original painting was reportedly taken for framing some time ago and might have since been lost. According to the same sources, unknown individuals transported the artwork in a van due to its size.

No progress has been reported in identifying the individuals who released unknown chemical substances in the Ulcinj Municipal Council hall on May 29th last year during an active session.

The incident took place late at night during an extraordinary session of the Municipal Assembly, where discussions were held regarding the dismissal of the then Mayor, Omer Bajraktari (GP URA), resulting in chaos within the hall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The extraordinary session resumed shortly afterward, and Bajraktari was removed from his position just after midnight by a vote from the 20 present councilors. Subsequently, the new parliamentary majority appointed the leader of the Force, Gentry of Nimanbegu, as the new president of the Municipality of Ulcinj.

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