Golubović Denies Criminal Charges, Seeks Trial to Prove Innocence

Retired official of Montenegro’s National Security Agency, Duško Golubović, faced serious allegations in the High Court of Podgorica today. He is accused of organizing a criminal organization involved in cigarette smuggling that allegedly cost the state approximately €18.26 million. During the hearing, Golubović asserted that he has never been, nor will he ever be, a cooperating witness in this case or in any other.

Golubović requested the court to confirm the indictment, emphasizing his desire to expedite the judicial process and prove his innocence. He stated, “I feel no guilt; I want to demonstrate my innocence as soon as possible.” The Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) alleges that Golubović collaborated with Sander Stanaj to organize a group of 15 members, six of whom are currently at large.

In his defense, Golubović maintained that he has no connections with the thirteen individuals named in the indictment, except for Stanaj, with whom he has a 20-year acquaintance. He acknowledged knowing Stanaj’s family and their various business operations, including a company involved in importing tobacco products.

“I never suspected that his company was engaged in illegal activities, nor did I receive any material or financial benefits from him,” Golubović stated. He emphasized that the SDT lacks both material and personal evidence linking him to the smuggling activities, claiming that the indictment does not specify the time, place, or manner of the alleged crimes.

Golubović pointed out that there is no established connection between him and any police or customs officials, nor was he present at the Port of Bar, where the smuggling allegedly took place. He firmly believes that this lack of evidence will vindicate him during the judicial proceedings.

Defense Claims and Legal Proceedings

The former ANB operative also expressed concerns about the media portrayal of the case, asserting that the indictment has been “retold and constructed” by certain outlets, thereby jeopardizing the safety of his family and himself. He claims there has been an attempt to pressure him into becoming a cooperating witness.

Most of the defense attorneys for the accused requested the court to affirm the indictment, arguing that a confirmation would expedite the proceedings and allow their clients to quickly demonstrate their innocence. They presented numerous arguments during the three-hour hearing, challenging the SDT’s assertion that the organization damaged the state financially through cigarette smuggling.

According to the indictment, members of the alleged criminal organization include Nuo Stanaj, Abedin Pepić, Andrija Petanović, and others, with the group reportedly smuggling untaxed cigarettes from the Free Trade Zone of the Port of Bar between 2020 and 2021. This illicit operation enabled them to distribute products across Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, garnering substantial profits while causing significant harm to the state.

A financial investigation has also been initiated against the accused, targeting their movable and immovable properties suspected of being acquired through criminal activities.

Allegations and Communication Analysis

The SDT’s investigation indicates that Golubović and Stanaj coordinated all phases of the smuggling operation, from sourcing cigarettes abroad to storing them in the Free Trade Zone and distributing them without customs clearance. Analysis of communications on secure applications, primarily “Sky,” suggests that Golubović was seen as the ultimate authority within the organization, as others referred to him as “boss” and sought his approval for significant actions.

Golubović was arrested in early May 2023 on suspicion of money laundering. He denied all allegations, and his attorney, Velibor Marković, claimed to possess documentation proving the legality of his client’s assets. Despite this, the SDT has frozen properties linked to Golubović and his family, arguing that they have amassed assets worth over €1 million in the past decade, including luxury vehicles and real estate both in Montenegro and abroad.

Previously, Golubović’s name was associated with Naser Keljmendi, an individual accused of international drug trafficking, highlighted in phone records from 2011. While Golubović acknowledged knowing Keljmendi, he maintains that they did not conduct any joint business.

In a related statement, accused Mileta Simanić criticized the indictment as a malicious construction by the SDT, which he claims represents an attempt to prolong his detention. Simanić argued that it is implausible for him to have been part of three criminal organizations simultaneously while also working as an economist in a small firm.

As the case unfolds, Golubović and the other accused are set to face a rigorous judicial process aimed at determining the legitimacy of the charges against them and the extent of their alleged involvement in organized crime.