In a Montenegrin police operation in Mareza, citizens of Ukraine, Moldova, and Slovakia were found. Sophisticated equipment and a significant amount of money were discovered, with investigators suspecting possible online fraud.
Montenegrin police are conducting an extensive investigation after finding more than 50 foreign nationals and seizing hundreds of digital devices in a house in the Podgorica settlement of Mareza on Monday. The amount of equipment found was so large that a cargo vehicle had to be hired for its transport, the Police Directorate announced.
Among those found, the majority are Ukrainian citizens, along with citizens of Moldova and Slovakia who were also staying in the house. "Based on previously undertaken proactive activities, officers of the Police Directorate located and identified the said building, a large house in Mareza, Podgorica, after which they entered the premises in accordance with the law," the Police Directorate stated.
During the search, several hundred digital devices and other elements of sophisticated equipment were found. In addition, a larger amount of money was discovered. "The search also revealed a larger amount of cash, the origin and connection of which with the activities will also be subject to further checks," the police added.
Due to the complexity of the case, the Director of the Police Directorate has formed an Operational Team that includes officers specialized in cyber security, high-tech crime, financial investigations and money laundering, international operational cooperation, and matters related to foreigners and migration. The National Security Agency is also involved in the activities, and the investigation is being conducted in coordination with the State Prosecutor's Office.
"Given the complexity of the case, the Director of the Police Directorate has formed an Operational Team, composed of several groups of police officers specialized in cyber security and high-tech crime, financial investigations and money laundering, international operational cooperation, as well as matters in the field of foreigners and migration, with strong support from the National Security Agency, which will, in coordination with the competent state prosecutor's office, undertake further measures and actions," the statement reads.
Although the police have not yet confirmed the existence of a criminal offense nor has anyone been formally suspected, Podgorica media, citing preliminary findings, have reported that there is suspicion the group was linked to online fraud. The found devices will be subject to expert examination during the investigation.
The police are checking the basis of stay and work of the found individuals in Montenegro, their activities and movements, as well as the purpose and manner of use of the found equipment. Due to the interest of the proceedings, details are not yet available to the public. "After the planned police-prosecutorial activities are carried out, and to the extent that the conduct of the proceedings allows, law enforcement agencies will promptly inform the public about the outcome of the undertaken activities and checks," the Police Directorate said.
