Montenegrin Mafia
Encyclopedia
The Montenegrin Mafia or Montenegrin Cartel are terms used for the various criminal organizations based in Montenegro
or composed of Montenegrins. There are 700 documented organized criminals operating within Montenegro; outside of the country Montenegrin gangs are active throughout Europe
-notably Serbia
and Slovenia
. The gangs tend to specialize in cigarette smuggling
, narcotics and arms trafficking.
or zakletva, in which when a Montenegrin has his honor disgraced he must exact blood revenge, resulting in many deaths sometimes lasting generations. This parallel form of justice imbedded within Montenegrin culture and mentality creates an atmosphere of lawlessness which not only enables criminals to thrive, but also citizens to tolerate the violence and corruption that exists in Montenegro
today.
The Đurašević Brothers
Maljota, Toma and Marko Đurašević are leaders of a group who's "specialty" is drug smuggling from Albania
. They additionally smuggle weapons and export stolen luxury cars into Albania.
They are as sociated with the other prominent gangs in Podgorica, also doing business with the Nikšić Mob, Serbian and Albanian mafia.
The Drešaj Brothers
Leon and Viktor Drešaj run a drug cartel based in Podgorica, dealing with major heroin trafficking from Albania
into Montenegro
. They work closely with the Đurašević Brothers and together control the transit of illicit drugs across the Montenegrin border into the rest of the Balkan states.
In 2006 during operation Poskok the ica narkomanF were arrested along with Maljota Đurašević and several other gangsters for possession and intent to sell illegal narcotics.
The Đoković organization
One of the most powerful men in Podgorica is Mehmed "Bela" Đoković, an alleged boss of a criminal organization from Podgorica. His organization has been known to deal with human trafficking
(primarily Albanians and Kosovars being illegally smuggled into Western Europe and America). The police believe "Bela" to be involved in the Đurašević-Drešaj drug trafficking operation as well.
The Lambulić Brothers
Brothers Vjeko and Jugoslav Lambulić control a drug-dealing operation, operating in Switzerland
, funneling money back to Montenegro. In 2003 they opened up a business firm and restaurant in Podgorica, using these locations as fronts to hide their source of income.
Vjeko was recently arrested in Belgrade, wanted by Interpol and Swiss police for drug dealing. In court he was tried for smuggling three and a half kilos of Cocaine
and Money Laundering
and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
During the trial the police found a hidden 120,000 euros, to which Jugoslav claimed he won a million marks at a Belgrade casino.
, who the Montenegrin police claim in recent times have taken over much of the Montenegrin underworld.
The Bar gangs noticeably have a higher level of organization, financial means and connections throughout Montenegro and the rest of Europe
. There are two main cartels based in the city of Bar.
The Bar Kartel
The larger of the two main gangs in Bar, the "Bar Kartel" is allegedly led by three individuals: Saša Boreta, Ljubo Bigović and Armin "Mušo" Osmanagić. This gang is known in Bar for its violence and is believed to have strong connections to organized criminal groups in the Belgrade underworld as well as the surrounding ex-YU countries, Albania, Western Europe and South America. It is believed the Bar Kartel deals with Extortion
, Drug Trafficking
and Human Trafficking
. Reputed lower-ranking members being Ljubo Vujadinović and Alen Kožar.
The Bar Kartel were responsible for many high-profile criminal acts in Montenegro, such as the murder of the Montenegrin Police Commissioner Slavoljub Šćekić and the bombing of Hotel Splendid
during its construction.
The Ivanović Brothers
The other gang from Bar is controlled by brothers Dragoslav and Duško Ivanović, who's primary focus is Narco-Trafficking and Loansharking.
Mob or "Kvartaši"; some known members are: Željko Kovačević, Radovan and Petar Cerović, Rajko and Radovan Baćović and Predrag "Krcko" Krcunović. It is believed that the Nikšić Mob is the largest criminal organization within Montenegro, reputedly active in Drug Trafficking
, Distribution, Extortion
, Loansharking, Gambling
and Arms Dealing. They work mainly with the Podgorica groups and the Bar Cartels.
There have been two attempts on mobster Predrag "Krcko" Krcunović's life: the first was a few days after Orthodox Christmas in mid-day, in front of a crowded Café and hundreds of pedestrians. Krcko was shot at 8 times however managed to escape untouched.
The second attempt was later that year in the center of Nikšić, Krcko was shot at while entering a taxi cab. The cab door riddled with bullet holes, Krcko survived the attack unscathed.
In 2008, a man was shot at in the streets of Nikšić by reputed Nikšić mobster Miloš Radulović, the shots missed-hitting the 12-year old Milica Đokić and critically wounding her. Later the man's car was found in flames.
Željezara Clan
In 2008 11 members and the ring-leader of the criminal group operating in Nikšić were arrested. Automatic weapons, 7 kilos of explosives and over a kilo of narcotics were seized in the arrest. The gang was convicted for illegally owning weapons and for wide-scale distribution of narcotics. The gang has ties to the Nikšić mob, their leader Vedran Prijović allegedly associated with the Kvartaši.
and the financial means, a gang in Rožaje
became very wealthy and powerful very quickly. This group deals almost completely in trafficking heroin from Albanians. The leadership of the group is divided between two sets of brothers, the Musić and Bećiragić. Members include: Mersad Zejnelagić, Sead Lukač and Safet Kalić, many of the members operate outside of Montenegro.
largely operates outside of the country. They deal mostly in drug distribution, dealing cocaine and heroin in Serbia
and Western Europe (notably Sweden
). Arrested and reputed members include: Vuk Vulević, Milan "Čila" Šćekić, Vuksan Cemović, Velibor Popović, Branislav "Nano" Ivanović and the Rajović brothers (Radisav, Goran i Srđan).Rivals of the Rajović brothers are the Marsenić brothers(Vojislav,Vladan and their cousins).Their rivalry began in 1996 when one of the Rajović brothers was wounded.Then in 1997 one of Marsenić brothers,Komnen "Koka" Marsenić was shot and killed by Rajović brothers,and his friend,also one of Berane's tough guy-Zoran "Zoko" Vasović was wounded.Shootings between these families happened in 1996,1997,1998 (when Marsenić familiy tried to take revendge for Komnen's death in front of the court),and in 2000 when an inocent bystander got killed.
The Berane grouop works mainly outside of the country,and Berane's tough guys are widespread across Europe,mainly Switzerland,Germany,Denmark,Sweden,Italy,even in Latin America.
. The Montenegrin mafia compete with the Albanian mafia and other gangs for control of the drug business in Slovenia. There has been some infighting and power struggles within the organization during the late 90's and early 2000s, resulting in the killing of the gang's boss Veso Jovović in 1998.
On November 4, 1999 Vukašin Jovović attempted to murder fellow gangster Mišo Vujičić, in revenge for the death of his brother gang boss Veso. Mišo survived the attack and Vukašin was acquitted. Mišo Vujičić was shot dead in a five-star hotel in the capital of Slovenia in 2003 and in 2008 a man was arrested for the murder hiding in Montenegro.
is host to many Montenegrin criminals and gangs. Operating mainly in the capital of Belgrade
and Montenegrin enclaves in southern Serbia, these groups largely deal with the smuggling of narcotics and weapons.
where Montenegrin organized crime is thought to be largest. Serbian police and investigators claim that in Belgrade the Montenegrin mafia has a strong presence and is in the running to dominate the Serbian criminal underworld.
The Montenegrin mafia was believed to have been behind the killing of Serbian warlord Arkan in 2000, in order to gain complete control of Belgrade.
On September 10, 2009 Montenegrin businessman Branislav Šaranović was shot to death outside of his apartment in Belgrade. The murder is thought by the police to be the result of a conflict within the Montenegrin mafia. Although mainly residing in Budva, Montenegro, Branislav owned a casino in Belgrade made close ties to Brano Mićunović and Milo Đukanović.
Reputed gangster Brano Mićunović is rumored to be the boss of the Montenegrin mafia in Belgrade and possibly of Montenegro as well.
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
or composed of Montenegrins. There are 700 documented organized criminals operating within Montenegro; outside of the country Montenegrin gangs are active throughout Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
-notably Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
and Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
. The gangs tend to specialize in cigarette smuggling
Cigarette smuggling
Cigarette smuggling is the illicit transportation of cigarettes from an administrative division with low taxation to a division with high taxation for sale and consumption...
, narcotics and arms trafficking.
History
Montenegrin society is deeply rooted in tribal affiliation, following an old warrior code of Čojstvo i Junaštvo, and with it the sacred practice of vendettaFeud
A feud , referred to in more extreme cases as a blood feud, vendetta, faida, or private war, is a long-running argument or fight between parties—often groups of people, especially families or clans. Feuds begin because one party perceives itself to have been attacked, insulted or wronged by another...
or zakletva, in which when a Montenegrin has his honor disgraced he must exact blood revenge, resulting in many deaths sometimes lasting generations. This parallel form of justice imbedded within Montenegrin culture and mentality creates an atmosphere of lawlessness which not only enables criminals to thrive, but also citizens to tolerate the violence and corruption that exists in Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
today.
Crime syndicates
The Montenegrin police have just recently begun documenting and taking action against the many criminal gangs within Montenegro, discovering a vast network of powerful cartels and groups that play a central role in organized crime within the Balkans.Podgorički Klan
In Podgorica there are four prominent gangs, each loosely working with one another.The Đurašević Brothers
Maljota, Toma and Marko Đurašević are leaders of a group who's "specialty" is drug smuggling from Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
. They additionally smuggle weapons and export stolen luxury cars into Albania.
They are as sociated with the other prominent gangs in Podgorica, also doing business with the Nikšić Mob, Serbian and Albanian mafia.
The Drešaj Brothers
Leon and Viktor Drešaj run a drug cartel based in Podgorica, dealing with major heroin trafficking from Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
into Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
. They work closely with the Đurašević Brothers and together control the transit of illicit drugs across the Montenegrin border into the rest of the Balkan states.
In 2006 during operation Poskok the ica narkomanF were arrested along with Maljota Đurašević and several other gangsters for possession and intent to sell illegal narcotics.
The Đoković organization
One of the most powerful men in Podgorica is Mehmed "Bela" Đoković, an alleged boss of a criminal organization from Podgorica. His organization has been known to deal with human trafficking
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of reproductive slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, or a modern-day form of slavery...
(primarily Albanians and Kosovars being illegally smuggled into Western Europe and America). The police believe "Bela" to be involved in the Đurašević-Drešaj drug trafficking operation as well.
The Lambulić Brothers
Brothers Vjeko and Jugoslav Lambulić control a drug-dealing operation, operating in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, funneling money back to Montenegro. In 2003 they opened up a business firm and restaurant in Podgorica, using these locations as fronts to hide their source of income.
Vjeko was recently arrested in Belgrade, wanted by Interpol and Swiss police for drug dealing. In court he was tried for smuggling three and a half kilos of Cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
and Money Laundering
Money laundering
Money laundering is the process of disguising illegal sources of money so that it looks like it came from legal sources. The methods by which money may be laundered are varied and can range in sophistication. Many regulatory and governmental authorities quote estimates each year for the amount...
and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
During the trial the police found a hidden 120,000 euros, to which Jugoslav claimed he won a million marks at a Belgrade casino.
Barski Gang
The Podgoricans are heavily affiliated with the gangs of BarBar, Montenegro
Bar is a coastal town in Montenegro. It has a population of 17,727...
, who the Montenegrin police claim in recent times have taken over much of the Montenegrin underworld.
The Bar gangs noticeably have a higher level of organization, financial means and connections throughout Montenegro and the rest of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. There are two main cartels based in the city of Bar.
The Bar Kartel
The larger of the two main gangs in Bar, the "Bar Kartel" is allegedly led by three individuals: Saša Boreta, Ljubo Bigović and Armin "Mušo" Osmanagić. This gang is known in Bar for its violence and is believed to have strong connections to organized criminal groups in the Belgrade underworld as well as the surrounding ex-YU countries, Albania, Western Europe and South America. It is believed the Bar Kartel deals with Extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
, Drug Trafficking
Illegal drug trade
The illegal drug trade is a global black market, dedicated to cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of those substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. Most jurisdictions prohibit trade, except under license, of many types of drugs by drug prohibition laws.A UN report said the...
and Human Trafficking
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of reproductive slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, or a modern-day form of slavery...
. Reputed lower-ranking members being Ljubo Vujadinović and Alen Kožar.
The Bar Kartel were responsible for many high-profile criminal acts in Montenegro, such as the murder of the Montenegrin Police Commissioner Slavoljub Šćekić and the bombing of Hotel Splendid
Hotel Splendid
Hotel Splendid is the first 5-star hotel in Montenegro. It is located in the town of Bečići. The hotel was built and completely reconstructed between 2005 and 2006.-Accommodations:...
during its construction.
The Ivanović Brothers
The other gang from Bar is controlled by brothers Dragoslav and Duško Ivanović, who's primary focus is Narco-Trafficking and Loansharking.
The Nikšić Mob
Also in the drug business is the NikšićNikšić
Nikšić is a city in Montenegro . In 2003 the city had a total population about 75,000.Nikšić is located in Nikšić plain, at the foot of Mount Trebjesa. It is the center of the municipality , which is the largest in Montenegro by area...
Mob or "Kvartaši"; some known members are: Željko Kovačević, Radovan and Petar Cerović, Rajko and Radovan Baćović and Predrag "Krcko" Krcunović. It is believed that the Nikšić Mob is the largest criminal organization within Montenegro, reputedly active in Drug Trafficking
Illegal drug trade
The illegal drug trade is a global black market, dedicated to cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of those substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. Most jurisdictions prohibit trade, except under license, of many types of drugs by drug prohibition laws.A UN report said the...
, Distribution, Extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
, Loansharking, Gambling
Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods...
and Arms Dealing. They work mainly with the Podgorica groups and the Bar Cartels.
There have been two attempts on mobster Predrag "Krcko" Krcunović's life: the first was a few days after Orthodox Christmas in mid-day, in front of a crowded Café and hundreds of pedestrians. Krcko was shot at 8 times however managed to escape untouched.
The second attempt was later that year in the center of Nikšić, Krcko was shot at while entering a taxi cab. The cab door riddled with bullet holes, Krcko survived the attack unscathed.
In 2008, a man was shot at in the streets of Nikšić by reputed Nikšić mobster Miloš Radulović, the shots missed-hitting the 12-year old Milica Đokić and critically wounding her. Later the man's car was found in flames.
Željezara Clan
In 2008 11 members and the ring-leader of the criminal group operating in Nikšić were arrested. Automatic weapons, 7 kilos of explosives and over a kilo of narcotics were seized in the arrest. The gang was convicted for illegally owning weapons and for wide-scale distribution of narcotics. The gang has ties to the Nikšić mob, their leader Vedran Prijović allegedly associated with the Kvartaši.
The Rožaje Group
With the strife in nearby KosovoKosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
and the financial means, a gang in Rožaje
Rožaje
Rožaje , is a town in northeastern Montenegro. It has a population of 9,121 Rožaje is the centre of the municipality, which has a population of 22,693. The municipality is located in the geographical region of Sandžak.-History:The history of Rožaje goes back to 1571 and 1585 when it was first...
became very wealthy and powerful very quickly. This group deals almost completely in trafficking heroin from Albanians. The leadership of the group is divided between two sets of brothers, the Musić and Bećiragić. Members include: Mersad Zejnelagić, Sead Lukač and Safet Kalić, many of the members operate outside of Montenegro.
The Berane Group
This gang based in the town of BeraneBerane
Berane , formerly Ivangrad, is a town in north-eastern Montenegro. It has a population of 11,776 .Berane is the centre of municipality and one of the centres of Polimlje area, named after the Lim River, on which Berane is situated.-History:During the medieval period the Montenegrin land of Berane...
largely operates outside of the country. They deal mostly in drug distribution, dealing cocaine and heroin in Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
and Western Europe (notably Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
). Arrested and reputed members include: Vuk Vulević, Milan "Čila" Šćekić, Vuksan Cemović, Velibor Popović, Branislav "Nano" Ivanović and the Rajović brothers (Radisav, Goran i Srđan).Rivals of the Rajović brothers are the Marsenić brothers(Vojislav,Vladan and their cousins).Their rivalry began in 1996 when one of the Rajović brothers was wounded.Then in 1997 one of Marsenić brothers,Komnen "Koka" Marsenić was shot and killed by Rajović brothers,and his friend,also one of Berane's tough guy-Zoran "Zoko" Vasović was wounded.Shootings between these families happened in 1996,1997,1998 (when Marsenić familiy tried to take revendge for Komnen's death in front of the court),and in 2000 when an inocent bystander got killed.
The Berane grouop works mainly outside of the country,and Berane's tough guys are widespread across Europe,mainly Switzerland,Germany,Denmark,Sweden,Italy,even in Latin America.
Slovenia
A criminal organization composed of Montenegrin nationals and men of Montenegrin descent are a prominent force within the criminal underworld of SloveniaSlovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
. The Montenegrin mafia compete with the Albanian mafia and other gangs for control of the drug business in Slovenia. There has been some infighting and power struggles within the organization during the late 90's and early 2000s, resulting in the killing of the gang's boss Veso Jovović in 1998.
On November 4, 1999 Vukašin Jovović attempted to murder fellow gangster Mišo Vujičić, in revenge for the death of his brother gang boss Veso. Mišo survived the attack and Vukašin was acquitted. Mišo Vujičić was shot dead in a five-star hotel in the capital of Slovenia in 2003 and in 2008 a man was arrested for the murder hiding in Montenegro.
Serbia
With a large Montenegrin community, SerbiaSerbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
is host to many Montenegrin criminals and gangs. Operating mainly in the capital of Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
and Montenegrin enclaves in southern Serbia, these groups largely deal with the smuggling of narcotics and weapons.
The Belgrade faction
Throughout Serbia it is in BelgradeBelgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
where Montenegrin organized crime is thought to be largest. Serbian police and investigators claim that in Belgrade the Montenegrin mafia has a strong presence and is in the running to dominate the Serbian criminal underworld.
The Montenegrin mafia was believed to have been behind the killing of Serbian warlord Arkan in 2000, in order to gain complete control of Belgrade.
On September 10, 2009 Montenegrin businessman Branislav Šaranović was shot to death outside of his apartment in Belgrade. The murder is thought by the police to be the result of a conflict within the Montenegrin mafia. Although mainly residing in Budva, Montenegro, Branislav owned a casino in Belgrade made close ties to Brano Mićunović and Milo Đukanović.
Reputed gangster Brano Mićunović is rumored to be the boss of the Montenegrin mafia in Belgrade and possibly of Montenegro as well.