Dejan Knezevic
Montenegro Sacks Police Director Over Officers’ Crime Ties
Montenegrin Special State Prosecutor Vladimir Novovic (L), Police Director Zoran Brdjanin (M) and Special Police Department Predrag Sukovic (R) in Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro
The government appointed two new interim police directors, Nikola Terzic and Predrag Sukovic, who will be in charge of contact with the European police agency Europol.
Montenegrin Police Director in Firing Line After Deputy Arrested
Montenegrin Interior Minister Filip Adzic (left) and police director Zoran Brdjanin (centre) at a press conference. Photo: Government of Montenegro
On March 22, the police force's assistant director, Dejan Knezevic, was arrested on the orders of the Special State Prosecutor's Office for allegedly setting up a criminal organisation.
Montenegro Senior Police Official Arrested for Alleged Crime Ties
Montenegrin police director assistant Dejan Knezevic in his office in Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro
Knezevic was arrested as part of a large-scale investigation of police links with the notorious Kavac drug gang, which has led to 12 current and ex-police officers' arrests and to national warrants for the arrest of three others.
Montenegro Fires Top Policeman over Alleged Crime Links
Zoran Lazovic at a press conference in Podgorica. Photo: PR Centar.
The Interior Ministry also axed six other police directors' assistants.
One of the blocs in the ruling coalition, URA, said that the sackings of police officers who were close to the former administration was fulfilling the new government's promises.