Nikola Vušović, a notorious global assassin and leader of the Montenegro clan, was apprehended in Barcelona on Friday around noon. The National Police captured one of the world’s most dangerous fugitives, wanted by authorities in Serbia, Montenegro, and Germany for homicide and with two European Arrest Warrants issued by Austria and Croatia for property crimes and document forgery. Although the clan he allegedly led operated primarily from Montenegro, Vušović is of Serbian origin and will initially be tried in Serbia for three murders, facing a potential life sentence.
Vušović, known as Johnny from Vračar, was arrested in a coordinated operation involving Spanish, Serbian, Austrian, German, Croatian, Slovenian, and Republika Srpska police, along with representatives from Europol, based on an Interpol warrant. He is accused of a triple homicide involving the deaths of "Pink Panther" Aleksandar Sarac, businessman Dragan Ristic Čadja, and fan Aleksandar Halabrin. Investigators also suspect his involvement in the murder of Marko Ljubiša Kan.
Key Takeaways
- Nikola Vušović, a dangerous fugitive, was arrested in Barcelona.
- He is wanted for three murders and other serious crimes across multiple countries.
- Vušović has a history of evading capture and has been linked to high-profile crimes.
Vušović’s clan members were arrested months ago in a significant police operation in Serbia, also suspected of murder or attempted homicide. Vušović specializes in more complex crimes, and since his escape, Serbian authorities have been searching for him to conclude the legal proceedings against him. He was previously arrested in the Dominican Republic in March 2021 but was not extradited to Serbia and was released. At that time, he was linked to the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse on July 6-7 of that year, although those allegations were never confirmed.
This is not Vušović’s first escape. Fifteen years ago, he fled from a hospital bed in Serbia after being injured in a confrontation with Lazar Vukicevic. Following his escape, he was taken to Montenegro, where he became associated with Radoj Zvicer, a leader of the Kavak clan.
Attempted Surrender Under Conditions
The criminal detained by the National Police in Barcelona claimed through his lawyer that he wanted to surrender but under "his conditions." He suggested that the arrest warrant for Nikola Vušović be revoked so he could appear in court. He expressed willingness to participate in the legal process but insisted on specific terms. Ultimately, this condition was not met, and he is expected to be extradited to Serbia to face charges for three murders, where he could receive a life sentence. He is also wanted by other countries, including Montenegro.
Vušović’s arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of international law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend dangerous criminals who evade justice across borders. His case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in transnational crime and the collaboration required among various countries to bring fugitives to justice.
Sources
- Nikola Vušović, el peligroso asesino mundial y líder del clan de Montenegro, detenido en Barcelona, El Caso.
- Nikola Vušović, el perillós assassí mundial i líder del clan de Montenegro, detingut a Barcelona, El Caso.
- La policía detiene en Barcelona a un fugitivo buscado por tres asesinatos en Serbia, Montenegro y Alemania, Diari ARA.
- FUGITIU DETINGUT BARCELONA | La policia espanyola deté a Barcelona un fugitiu buscat per assassinat a Sèrbia, Montenegro i Alemanya, Regió7.
- Detingut a Barcelona un dels fugitius més perillosos del món, Tot Barcelona.
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