Montenegrin Defense Minister files criminal complaint over patrol boat procurement

Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapović has filed a new criminal complaint with the Basic State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica against lawyer Veselin Radulović. Krapović accuses Radulović of false reporting regarding the legality of the procurement of two patrol boats for the Armed Forces of Montenegro.

Krapović maintains that the procurement process was transparent and legally grounded, citing the Law on the Confirmation of the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the Republic of France on Cooperation in the Field of Defense. He asserts that all steps, from decision-making to the launch of the first vessel, 'Petar I Njegoš', were conducted in accordance with the Constitution and national laws.

In response to the complaint, Radulović provided a statement to the prosecutor's office. He stated that he explained the circumstances surrounding his own previous criminal complaints, which allege potential illegalities and abuses of power affecting the state budget. Radulović emphasized that his actions are not politically motivated but are intended to protect the public interest and ensure accountability for any suspected corruption.