Montenegro’s Supreme Court Extends Detention of Andrija Petanović

The Supreme Court of Montenegro has agreed to extend the detention of Andrija Petanović for an additional three months, citing a significant risk of flight. Petanović is under suspicion for allegedly participating in the creation of a criminal organization and facilitating smuggling activities. He is believed to have collaborated with Sander Stanaj and Nuo Stanaj, owners of Auto Centre “Rokšped,” in smuggling cigarettes through Bar Port, which reportedly cost the Montenegrin budget over €18 million.

The court’s decision, made on September 22, 2025, follows a proposal from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica. The new detention period extends until December 27, 2025. The court found reasonable suspicion that Petanović committed the alleged crimes, as outlined in the prosecution’s request to expand the investigation.

An important aspect of the case involves the logistics of the cigarette smuggling operation. According to the investigation, retired operative Duško Golubović managed the transfer of cigarettes from the Free Customs Zone at Bar Port. Meanwhile, Sander Stanaj is reported to have sourced the excise goods abroad and organized a sales network.

The criminal organization, identified as being active during 2020 and 2021, has been linked to significant financial damage to Montenegro’s budget. The investigation has revealed that both Golubović and the fugitive Sander Stanaj are regarded as leaders of this organization. Other individuals associated with this group include Nuo Stanaj, Abedin Pepić, Andrija Petanović, Vukota Vujosević, Đoko Lješkovic, Veton Berišaj, and several others who are currently at large.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the extension of Petanović’s detention stems from credible evidence gathered through the investigation, including materials obtained from the encrypted application “Sky ECC” and other relevant data. Initially, Petanović’s detention was ordered by a judge at the Higher Court in Podgorica on June 20, 2025, and was subsequently extended by the same court on June 29, 2025.

As the case progresses, authorities continue to assess the implications of these criminal activities on the national economy and the effectiveness of law enforcement measures in tackling organized crime in Montenegro.