Documents link Veselin Barović to Montenegro Telekom privatization negotiations

Documents released by the MANS NGO indicate that businessman Veselin Barović was involved in negotiating the price of minority shares during the privatization of Montenegro Telekom. The agreement was reportedly signed by former Prime Minister Milo Đukanović.

These findings stem from evidence presented during a US court proceeding in Manhattan involving directors of Magyar Telekom. According to US investigators, four fraudulent consultancy contracts were used to facilitate bribe payments to Montenegrin officials. Magyar Telekom allegedly admitted to using these contracts to ensure government officials enabled the purchase of minority shares, a condition required for the company to acquire two-thirds of Montenegro Telekom.

During a hearing at the High Court in Podgorica, Barović denied participating in any illegal agreements regarding the sale, stating that his company, Eurofond, sold its shares through the stock exchange. His legal counsel argued there is no evidence of bribery. The documents include details of a secret meeting held in Podgorica in January 2005, which reportedly included Barović and other individuals.