Montenegro has recently faced a series of tragic events, including a suspected double murder, a drowning incident in Lake Shkodra, and a shocking assassination in Shkodra. These incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region.
Key Takeaways
- A suspected double murder has shocked the community in Sokolac, Montenegro.
- Four individuals drowned in Lake Shkodra during a storm.
- A tragic assassination in Shkodra has raised fears of contract killings.
- Montenegro has arrested a former Russian official wanted for financial fraud.
Suspected Double Murder in Sokolac
The small village of Sokolac, near Bijelo Polje, was rocked by the brutal murder of siblings Jovan and Milenka Madzgalj. The suspect, Alija Balijagic, is a repeat offender with a long criminal history, including 32 years in prison for serious crimes. Locals reported seeing him armed days before the incident, raising questions about police response.
Despite warnings from the community, police were unable to apprehend Balijagic before the murders occurred. Following the incident, the army joined the search efforts, highlighting the growing public outcry over perceived police failures. The Chief of the General Staff acknowledged the complexity of locating a dangerous individual with unpredictable behavior.
Drowning Incident in Lake Shkodra
In a tragic boating accident, four individuals, including a family of three from Zeta and a boy from Podgorica, drowned in Lake Shkodra. The storm capsized their boat while they were en route to the Vranjina Monastery. Witnesses reported that nine people were on board, with only five managing to swim to safety.
Rescue teams, including helicopters, were deployed to search for the victims, with one body recovered. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures for recreational boating in the area, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Shocking Assassination in Shkodra
A violent assassination in Dobraç, Shkodra, left three people dead, including a bystander. The police suspect that the attack involved multiple assailants, with a vehicle used in the crime later found burned. Investigators are exploring the possibility of contract killings, as the vehicle had Montenegrin license plates, suggesting the perpetrators may have crossed the border without detection.
The incident has heightened fears about public safety in the region, prompting authorities to intensify their investigations to identify the shooters and their motives.
Arrest of Former Russian Official
In a separate development, Montenegro’s police arrested Igor Chuyan, a former Russian official wanted for financial fraud. Chuyan is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme involving significant loans to shell companies. His arrest follows a series of high-profile cases involving Russian nationals in Montenegro, including a billionaire accused of contract killings.
These incidents collectively highlight the challenges Montenegro faces in ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order amidst rising crime rates and complex criminal activities. The government is under pressure to address these issues and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Sources
- Montenegro Ups Hunt for Suspected Double Murderer as Public Outcry Grows | Balkan Insight, Balkan Insight.
- 4 people from Montenegro drown in the lake of Shkodra – Telegraph – Telegraph, Telegrafi.
- The Shkodra massacre, a murderer from Montenegro is suspected, the mystery of the third person – Telegrafi – Telegrafi, Telegrafi.
- Montenegro arrests former Russian official Igor Chuyan wanted for financial fraud – Telegrafi – Telegrafi, Telegrafi.
