Bureau for Operational Coordination of the Intelligence and Security Sector holds its 15th session

The Operational Coordination Bureau of the Intelligence and Security Sector held its 15th session, during which it reviewed a number of issues relating to the activities of Montenegro's intelligence and security authorities.

The Bureau concluded that, in the period between the two sessions and in line with previously adopted conclusions, the intelligence and security authorities had further intensified their activities. Through effective coordination and the implementation of intelligence, preventive, police and prosecutorial measures, they achieved significant results in addressing security challenges, while maintaining a continuous focus on systematic action against high-risk organised criminal groups and all forms of hybrid threats. 

The Bureau once again stressed the urgent need to adopt amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Criminal Code, and the Law on the Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime. It noted that more efficient judicial proceedings, preventing individuals accused of serious criminal offences from being released due to ineffective court procedures, defining violations of supervision measures as criminal offences, and establishing an effective framework for the permanent confiscation of criminal assets are essential reforms and tools for strengthening the fight against organised crime and preserving a stable security environment.

The Bureau particularly highlighted the results achieved by the competent authorities over the previous two months, including the prosecution of 920 criminal offences with an overall clearance rate of 92%. It also noted the prosecution of 44 individuals for offences falling within the jurisdiction of the Special State Prosecutor's Office, the location and arrest of 100 individuals wanted under national and international warrants, the prosecution of 30 individuals for cigarette smuggling, who are suspected of causing more than EUR 33 million in damage to the state budget, the prosecution of 13 individuals for money laundering offences, and the prosecution of 95 individuals for criminal offences involving elements of environmental crime.

The Bureau also pointed to the results achieved through numerous preventive and enforcement activities aimed at combating the misuse of firearms. It noted that during 2025 and 2026, approximately 6,300 firearms had been seized or voluntarily surrendered through public campaigns, along with around 200,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 2,800 explosive devices, and around 133 kilograms of explosives.

With regard to road safety, the Bureau welcomed the Ministry of the Interior's traffic safety campaign. It also praised the introduction of technological innovations, including the implementation of a digital patrol model alongside standard preventive and enforcement measures. The Bureau highlighted that during 2025 and the first half of 2026, approximately 12,000 road users had been deprived of their liberty on various grounds, more than 13,000 drivers had been sanctioned for driving under the influence of alcohol, over 2,000 drivers had been sanctioned for driving under the influence of narcotic drugs, and more than 275,000 payment orders for traffic fines had been issued.

The Bureau expressed particular satisfaction with the performance of the intelligence and security sector during the EU–Western Balkans Summit, one of the most significant events in Montenegro's recent history. It noted that the successful organisation of the event demonstrated a high level of professionalism, commitment, inter-agency coordination, operational capability and institutional maturity, while sending a clear message to Montenegro's strategic international partners that the country and its institutions are reliable partners capable of successfully managing even the most complex intelligence and security operations.

In line with its planned activities, the Bureau reviewed reports on the work of relevant institutions and interdepartmental working groups. It also discussed issues relating to strengthening integrity within the intelligence and security sector, projects for introducing public-area video surveillance, further modernisation of operational procedures, improvements in inter-agency coordination and institutional capacity-building, as well as other matters within its competence.