The accused Vasilije Petrović, facing charges for unlawful influence, revealed to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) that he handed over 125,000 euros to Nikola Raičević on two occasions, intended for Miloš and Vesna Medenica, in an effort to “resolve” the case involving “Cijevna komerc” pending in the Supreme Court of Montenegro.

His testimony was presented today at the Higher Court in Podgorica by Judge Vesna Kovačević, who presides over the special council.

Today marked the restart of the trial for former Supreme Court President Vesna Medenica and additional defendants, attributed to a change in the panel’s composition.

In a statement made on April 17, 2022, Petrović asserted that “Cijevna komerc” had legitimately purchased the land, indicating it was recorded as 1/1.

“I suspect that Vesna Medenica has engaged in some illicit activity to transfer it to another owner. We acquired it and received full approval for ‘Cijevna komerc’, and everything was above board. We exhausted all institutional avenues and awaited the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding our appeal…”

In a subsequent statement from May 2022, he revealed that he had approached the SDT to disclose matters he had previously kept to himself. He mentioned that his father was involved in a dispute with “Omorika Commerce” and the state.

He claimed to have learned that his godfathers, the Popović family, were paying Miloš Medenica to settle their cases. Following this, he connected with Nikola Raičević, who allegedly relayed a message for him to forward case files to Vesna Medenica.

“Eventually, Nikola informed me it could be settled for 15 percent of the disputed amount plus interest, which later rose to 50 percent. I refused that offer. They requested 125,000 euros upfront, followed by another 125,000 euros after 15 days. I delivered all the cash to Donja Gorica and handed it to Nikola Raičević, who claimed he forwarded it to the Medenicas. I took it to mean that Vesna received the funds,” recounted Vasilije Petrović.

Later, the court ruled against his favor, with Miloš stating: “Mother knows better.”

Initially, the Supreme Court case was presided over by Judge Rade Kovačević, followed by Vesna Begović.

…“When the case reaches Vesna Vučković, success is assured, as Vesna Medenica has a good relationship with her spouse… After the elections on August 30, 2020, I requested Nikola Raičević to retrieve my money, realizing the case couldn’t be ‘wrapped up’. They assured me that the election results would not influence the outcome, considering my mother was re-elected as President of the Supreme Court for a third time. In January 2021, I pursued Miloš Medenica for the return of my funds, and shortly thereafter, he returned 100,000 euros to me,” Vasilije Petrović elaborated during the prosecutor’s inquiry.

Defendant Miloš Medenica contested parts of the testimony that conflicted with his defense arguments.

Defendant Marko Vučinić maintained his innocence regarding the charges.

“I am not a participant in any criminal organization. I have no superior,” he stated.

Miloš Medenica reiterated that he did not accept guilt. “I uphold the defenses I previously articulated. That’s all there is to it.”

Defendant Vojin Perunović admitted to his guilt while standing by earlier statements.

The judge examined his previous statements during the prosecution’s investigation, pointing out inconsistencies in his defense. Initially, he mentioned being given an encrypted phone by Jovan Miković, communication via that phone, transporting certain quantities of cigarettes to a warehouse, and visiting the Port of Bar three times, for which he received 500 euros each time.

During his trial in September 2023, he claimed not to have known about the cigarettes in the vehicle, stating that he didn’t receive an encrypted phone and that he parked the truck in front of the Port rather than in a warehouse. He also corrected the compensation he received, stating it was three payments of 200 euros each.

Defendant Darko Lalović denied any wrongdoing and denied allegations within the indictment today. He asserted that he did not engage in any criminal behavior concerning Miloš Medenica related to narcotics.

Defendants Marko and Bojan Popović reiterated their prior statements and accepted their culpability. The judge reminded them of what they had previously asserted.

Marko Popović claimed to be involved in legal disputes with the firm for which Miloš Medenica, through Nikola Raičević, offered assistance to favorably conclude the proceedings. In exchange, he stated that Miloš Medenica demanded financial compensation.

He indicated that Medenica leveraged his mother’s influence, Vesna Medenica, to provide the necessary assistance. In return, he disclosed that he provided Miloš Medenica with three under-construction apartments registered to three distinct individuals.

The Special State Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against defendants Miloš and Vesna Medenica, Darko Lalović, Vasilij Petrović, Bojan and Marko Popović, Marko Vučinić, Milorad Medenica, Luka Bakoč, Petar Milutinović, Ivana Kovačević, Radomir Raičević, Marjan Bevenja, Stevo Karanikić, Goran Jovanović, and the company “Kopad Company” for various criminal acts including forming a criminal organization, smuggling, bribery, abusing official positions, drug trafficking, illegal weapon possession, causing severe bodily harm, and obstructing justice.

Miloš Medenica is accused of establishing a criminal organization in 2019, which included his mother Vesna and other defendants, aimed at smuggling cigarettes and unlawfully influencing the judiciary for illicit gains and power. It is alleged that he, in conjunction with other members of the criminal organization, smuggled cigarettes from the Free Customs Zone of the Port of Bar, evading customs control through false documentation and bribery of customs officials.

News