Marina Sekulić resigns as Montenegro Blood Transfusion Institute director

Dr. Marina Sekulić, the director of the Blood Transfusion Institute of Montenegro, has resigned following an investigation by the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (ASK).

The agency determined that Sekulić violated the Law on the Prevention of Corruption by subordinating public interest to private interests. Specifically, the investigation found that she used public funds from the Institute to finance the activities of the NGO “Association of Transfusion Donors of Montenegro,” an organization she founded.

According to the ASK decision, public funds were used to cover hospitality costs for meetings held at the Institute that were related to the NGO rather than the Institute's official duties. This included payments for two lunches at a restaurant in Podgorica totaling over 800 euros. Additionally, Sekulić reportedly authorized per diems and transportation costs for employees to attend meetings associated with the NGO. While Sekulić denied any conflict of interest, claiming the activities were professional and non-profit, she has since stepped down from her position.