The Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) is investigating a criminal organization led by Rožajac Mujo Mujević, which allegedly caused state losses of nearly 33 million euros through cigarette smuggling.

Mujević, along with agricultural pharmacy owner Velimir Milačić, “Bat Bojana” company owner Žarko Bulatović, and Slobodan Đurica from Podgorica, were apprehended yesterday by the Special Police Department, following SDT directives.

Today, the SDT announced that criminal charges have been filed against the four suspects, including EK, who is currently in custody for a separate case, on suspicions of creating a criminal organization and engaging in smuggling.

The special prosecutor has ordered the detention of Mujević, Milačić, and Bulatović for a period of up to 72 hours, while Đurica has been released; however, all of them are facing criminal proceedings.

“Following the hearing, the special prosecutor mandated that MM, Ž.B., and VM be detained for a maximum of 72 hours from their arrest, while S.Đ. was released after presenting his defense. Criminal proceedings against all the defendants have been initiated through an investigation order. Evidence collected during the investigation suggests that MM, in cooperation with an unidentified individual, orchestrated a criminal organization with the other defendants. Their intent was to transport untaxed cigarettes across customs lines and evade customs controls, eventually selling and distributing them in Podgorica, Rožaje, and neighboring countries. From December 2019 to March 2021, the defendants allegedly failed to pay customs duties, excise taxes, and other fees on at least 42,520 packages of smuggled cigarettes, generating illicit profits for the organization and causing damages to Montenegro totaling at least 32,927,488.40 euros,” stated the SDT.

The investigative order also recommended that the investigating judge of the Higher Court in Podgorica impose detention on those defendants in custody.

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