Montenegro Police Launch 'Operation Lugansk,' Arrest Suspects for Participation in Foreign Armed Formations

Extensive Operation Targets Foreign Fighters

The Police Directorate (UP) in Montenegro, in a coordinated effort with the Higher State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica and the Intelligence and Security Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, has successfully concluded 'Operation Lugansk.' This multi-month police operation aimed to identify and prosecute individuals involved in foreign armed formations, activities deemed contrary to Montenegrin law and international legal standards.

During the operation, Danko Savić (61) and Dejan Braletić (64) were arrested. Following questioning, the Higher State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica ordered Savić's detention for up to 72 hours on suspicion of committing the criminal offense of participating in foreign armed formations. Additionally, one person identified as DB (74) from Danilovgrad was deprived of liberty on suspicion of illegal possession and carrying of weapons and explosives.

Searches Yield Significant Cache of Weapons and Insignia

The police-prosecutorial activities involved searches at 13 locations across three Montenegrin cities: Danilovgrad, Nikšić, and Podgorica. These locations included 12 residential and auxiliary buildings, as well as one law firm. The searches resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of illicit materials, including:

• 24 firearms
• Over 1,000 rounds of ammunition
• Several weapon frames
• Nine knives, sabers, and bayonets
• Uniforms, flags, and other insignia of foreign formation organizations and groups
• Foreign documents and other items related to criminal offenses

One of the arrested individuals was found to have 1.5 million euros in their account. Lawyer Đorđije Vukmir, whose home and office were searched, denied any links to the criminal offense, stating that nothing related to the charges was found on him or in his law firm. He reported that a drone, laptops, and a military license (not in his possession) were seized from his family apartment.

Legal Framework and Historical Context

Montenegro has a clear legal framework that criminalizes participation in foreign armies, police, paramilitary, or para-police groups, with penalties ranging from six months to 10 years in prison. This legal stance reflects the country's efforts to counter security threats posed by its citizens engaging in conflicts abroad.

Historically, Montenegrin citizens have been known to participate in foreign conflicts. Data from the National Security Agency (ANB) indicates that at least five Montenegrin citizens fought on the side of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine during the Donbas war in 2014-2015. While one individual was prosecuted and sentenced to prison after returning, others did not return to the country. The Montenegrin secret service has no confirmed information of citizens fighting in Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022.

Commitment to Combating Security Threats

The Police Directorate affirmed its commitment to continuing planned and coordinated measures to confront contemporary high-ranking security threats. This includes identifying and detecting 'malignant and hybrid activities' that originate both domestically and through foreign influence, aiming to neutralize illegal activities of organized criminal groups and associated individuals operating within Montenegro and globally.