Podgorica police arrest nine foreign nationals in economic crime raid

Montenegrin police and the State Prosecutor's Office have arrested nine foreign nationals in Podgorica following an operation in the Mareza area. The investigation began after authorities inspected more than 50 foreign citizens found at a specific location.

A 28-year-old Ukrainian woman is suspected of organizing a group of citizens from Ukraine, Moldova, and Slovakia to engage in unauthorized economic, banking, stock exchange, and insurance activities. Authorities suspect that employees were being paid in cash, violating national labor and payment regulations.

The other eight detainees—two Slovakian, two Moldovan, and four Ukrainian nationals—were arrested for violating the Law on Foreigners due to illegal stays in Montenegro.

During searches of a villa in Mareza and various vehicles, police seized over 50,000 euros in cash, more than 100 computers and computer equipment, 82 mobile phones (including encrypted devices), 217 SIM cards, GPS devices, a drone, and one vehicle. A 17-year-old minor was also found at the location without a registered stay.