Montenegro airport scandal – criminals and former Serbian police officers on the same mission

Serbian investigative media outlet Radar raises serious doubts that authorities in Belgrade may be using individuals with criminal pasts, fan groups, and former members of security structures to carry out operations that usually belong to official state institutions.

In the analysis titled “Operation Tivat: Criminals and Police on the Same Mission”, journalist Milan Radonjic claims that an operation conducted before the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro involved members of the Serbian security apparatus, former police officers and individuals with criminal records. According to him, this reflects a well-known pattern of how power functions in Serbia.

According to Radar reporting, a charter flight from Belgrade to Montenegro has raised concerns in both the region and international security circles.

The media outlet claims that on board were former police officers, active members of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of private security companies, well-known fans, and people with criminal pasts.

This situation, according to the author, has opened a series of questions about the organization, financing, and true purpose of this operation.

Former security official Zoran Stijovic, quoted by Radar, estimates that the case could have consequences at the international level for Serbia.

"Some of the people on that plane declared that they were part of an informal security. This raises the question at the international level whether the government in Belgrade uses people with a dubious security profile and fan groups to carry out state tasks," Stijovic declared.

Radar also reports that the case has attracted the attention of European intelligence services, which may seek clarification on the organization of the flight, the origin of the equipment found on the participants, and the nature of their mission in Montenegro.

Stijovic adds that Serbian authorities will have to provide answers to a number of open issues related to the case.

"This is a case for which Serbia will have to account. It must be clarified who organized and financed the flight, where the found equipment came from, and whether the goal was to destabilize Montenegro or carry out a hybrid operation," he said.

In conclusion, Radar assesses that "Operation Tivat" could bring political and diplomatic consequences for Serbia, while key questions about the organizers, financiers, and true purpose of the operation remain unanswered.