Europol

Following a months-long investigation that also involved the cooperation of Europol, police have busted a criminal gang and seized some 4,650 counterfeit travel documents that were intended to facilitate illegal migration.

Eleven people were arrested as part of the investigation, with police believing that they facilitated at least 50 cases of human smuggling and illegal migration.

Montenegro's National Security Council session in Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro

Montenegrin Special Police Unit training in camp in the capital, Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro

In its report, the Committee called on Interior Minister Filip Adzic, head of the Police Directorate Nikola Terzic and regional police directors to actively promote a culture change within law enforcement agencies.

A "notorious money launderer" who cleaned "the dirty money of the world's foremost criminals" was arrested late last month in Athens, Europol, the EU police agency, has announced.

The arrest, on 31 May, followed a long investigation by Dutch police into the activities of the underground banker, who operated in the Netherlands.

A series of raids carried out simultaneously across Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Germany on May 24 resulted with the arrest of "37 members of a highly violent criminal cell from the Western Balkans," Europe's law enforcement agency, Europol, stated on Friday. 

Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic (L) and Mayor of Budva Milo Bozovic (R) at a meeting in Budva. Photo: Photo: Government of Montenegro

The Special State Prosecution said the arrest of Bozovic and unnamed persons from Budva, Cetinje and the capital Podgorica, was organised with the support of the European police agency EUROPOL.

Montenegrin Interior Minister Filip Adzic (L) and Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic (R) inspecting special police units. Photo: Government of Montenegro

EUROPOL headquarters in the Hague, Netherlands. Photo: EPA-EFE/JERRY LAMPEN

Milovic said this startling info was presented to the former government at an official meeting but did not name the three officers or their ranks.

Former president of the Montenegrin Supreme Court Vesna Medenica at a press conference. Photo: PR Centar

In the transcripts of the conversations using the encrypted messaging application Sky ECC, Milos Medenica claimed his mother was aware of their illegal business and said that they can expect protection from her.

Media reported that she was arrested for abuse of office.

Five Greek and Georgian citizens have appeared in court on charges of belonging to a criminal organization that allegedly sold babies for adoption.

All five denied the charges before a Thessaloniki magistrate on Friday. The two Georgian nationals are accused of being the ringleaders.