Former Prosecutor Defends Actions Against Allegations of Corruption

Former special prosecutor Saša Čađenović has publicly defended his actions in a high-profile case involving allegations of corruption and organized crime. During a hearing, Čađenović asserted that he filed three indictments against individuals associated with the Kavac criminal clan, including Radoje Zvicer, Slobodan Kašćelan, and Duško Roganović. This statement comes in response to claims from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) suggesting he protected these individuals instead of prosecuting them.

In his defense, Čađenović emphasized that the accusations against him are unfounded. He stated, “The creators of the indictment have presented truths. During the period I was allegedly part of this group, from 2020 to 2022, I raised three indictments against Zvicer, Kašćelan, and Roganović for serious crimes.” This assertion highlights the complexity of the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Kavac clan, which has been linked to organized crime in the region.

According to the SDT, Čađenović’s actions allegedly included avoiding prosecution of Kavac clan members and working in their interest. He is being tried alongside former chief special prosecutor Milivoje Katnić and former high-ranking police officer Zoran Lazović. Čađenović countered these claims by stating he has always acted in accordance with the law, processing all individuals suspected of criminal activity under his jurisdiction.

In detailing his prosecutorial work, Čađenović noted that he submitted over 40 indictments to the Higher Court during his tenure, all of which were confirmed. He specifically mentioned processing individuals linked to both the Kavac and Škaljari clans, asserting that he took action against those suspected of serious crimes as early as 2016.

As the trial continues, Čađenović has pointed out that the arrival of information from encrypted communications, known as “Sky,” prioritized the investigation of serious crimes. He explained that, aside from messages, there must also be material evidence to support claims arising from these conversations. “When the Sky communications arrived, I instructed the Organized Crime Department to compile all data on missing and murdered persons, which had not yet been resolved. We identified over 25 cases and forwarded them to Europol for data searches,” he stated.

Čađenović vehemently denied any allegations of having direct or indirect communication with Zvicer or any other individuals he prosecuted. He acknowledged having discussions with many suspects but emphasized that these took place in official settings, specifically during the initiation of criminal proceedings against them. “I believe I performed my duties correctly, and I affirm that I did,” he said.

Furthermore, he rejected accusations that he omitted names from criminal charges. “This is not true; in the first case regarding the attempted murder of Milica Šaković and in the second case concerning the murder of Nikola Stanišić, all individuals claimed to have been excluded are present in the indictments. Everyone I allegedly omitted has been prosecuted,” he asserted.

He also addressed allegations that he manipulated reports from Europol, labeling such claims as “one of the greatest lies of the creators of the indictment.” Čađenović insisted that all Sky communications he received are included in the appropriate case files.

The trial is set to continue on November 20, 2023. The SDT has accused Lazović and Katnić of forming a criminal organization and abusing their official positions, asserting that they, along with Čađenović, worked in favor of the Kavac criminal clan. As the case unfolds, it exposes the intricacies of law enforcement and the challenges faced in tackling organized crime in the region.