Businessman Accused of Using Confidential Data for Political Gain

The Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) in Montenegro has launched an investigation into businessman Aleksandar Mijajlović, accusing him of misusing confidential information for political and personal gain from 2018 to 2024. According to the SDT, Mijajlović, alongside associates in government institutions, allegedly influenced media narratives and political processes, while systematically collecting personal data on citizens.

The investigation details how Mijajlović exploited his connections within state agencies to access sensitive information. This data was reportedly used to exert pressure on employees of affiliated companies ahead of elections. Individuals identified as part of this operation include Drago Spičanović, a former assistant director of the Police Administration; Vladan Lazović, a Special Police officer; Milovan Pavićević, former chief of the Podgorica Security Center; Andrijana Nastić, a prosecutor; and Predrag Bošković, a former defense minister and coordinator for the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).

Documents obtained by the SDT reveal that communications extracted from Mijajlović’s mobile phone, seized on February 19, 2024, provided crucial evidence. Forensic analysis of these messages, exchanged through applications like WhatsApp and Viber, indicated that Mijajlović ordered group members to gather information on citizens, vehicles, and border crossings. He even requested background checks on specific individuals, illustrating the depth of the alleged misconduct.

Interactions between Mijajlović and Spičanović demonstrate the coordination between the private and public sectors. In one message, Mijajlović directed Spičanović to prioritize certain individuals involved in public protests, indicating the extent of his influence. Spičanović reportedly provided regular updates on the number of participants in these protests, showcasing the systematic nature of their operations.

The SDT also suspects that Mijajlović and Bošković exchanged information regarding the political affiliations of employees and their families during the 2020 elections. Some employees allegedly lost their jobs post-election, raising concerns about coercive tactics employed by the group. In a message exchange from October 2020, Mijajlović and Bošković discussed the health status of influential religious leader Amfilohije, revealing how they accessed sensitive information through unofficial channels.

Evidence suggests that Vladan Lazović informed Mijajlović about ongoing secret surveillance measures. In December 2020, Lazović communicated details regarding an investigation into another individual, underscoring the risks of compromising law enforcement integrity. Furthermore, Mijajlović’s communications with Pavićević highlight directives regarding police actions against businesses perceived as politically problematic.

The alleged activities spanned various political contexts, including the 2020 parliamentary elections, where Pavićević was suspected of coordinating propaganda efforts and providing Mijajlović with information about detentions related to public protests against a controversial law on religious freedom.

Nastić’s correspondence with Mijajlović further illustrates the extent of the alleged corruption. She reportedly shared privileged information about ongoing investigations and operational procedures, indicating a troubling level of collusion within the judiciary.

The SDT’s investigation sheds light on a troubling nexus of business, politics, and law enforcement in Montenegro, raising significant questions about the misuse of power and the integrity of institutions. As the investigation progresses, the implications for those involved could be substantial, influencing public trust in the state’s institutions.