Montenegro Telekom privatization investigation

Investigations into the 2005 privatization of Telekom Montenegro to Magyar Telekom have resumed following a High Court ruling that the statute of limitations has not expired. The probe focuses on allegations that millions of euros in bribes were paid to Montenegrin officials and an attorney through allegedly fictitious consulting contracts. Former President Milo Đukanović and his sister, Ana Đukanović, are among those under investigation. During a High Court hearing in Podgorica, Đukanović declined to answer questions regarding his family's potential contractual relationships with the company, documentation related to corruption suspicions, or knowledge of investigations by American and Hungarian authorities. His defense attorney, Svetlana Vujanović, argued that the proceedings are unlawful, characterizing the investigation as political interference.

Recent developments involve disputes over court transparency and the scope of previous inquiries. Lawyer Stašević has denied Supreme Court claims regarding a failed request for a televised trial, asserting that formal requests for broadcasting were submitted in late October and early November. In response, the Supreme Court of Montenegro issued a statement refuting these claims, maintaining that no formal request was received through official channels. The Court noted that documentation provided by the attorney shows emails were sent to an electronic address the institution no longer uses, emphasizing that media reports cannot replace formal communication via official channels.

Additionally, Member of Parliament Momčilo Leković has released documents concerning the 2007 Telekom affair, alleging the corruption investigation was halted by state prosecution. He noted that while a 2006 expert commission found no procedural abuses in consultancy contracts, it failed to investigate whether the services were necessary or if the payments were justified.