Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Becic highlighted the growing threat posed by Turkish criminal organizations operating in the country. Speaking to Radio Free Europe, Becic revealed that authorities had taken decisive measures to combat these networks, including prosecuting 13 Turkish nationals this year for crimes ranging from economic crimes and document forgery to human trafficking.
“We have identified and neutralized several individuals associated with these structures, leading to their removal from Montenegro. This has led to a significant reduction in their activities. In addition, we have tracked down and extradited several Turkish nationals who were hiding in Montenegro,” Becic said. Among those extradited was Binali Camgoz, who was considered a threat to national security.
Increasing influence of foreign criminal groups
In recent years, Montenegro has seen an increase in the activities of foreign criminal groups, especially from Turkey, Georgia and Russia. A government assessment of organized crime found that cooperation between these international organizations and local Montenegrin groups has increased criminal activities and expanded their reach.
While details about Georgian and Russian criminal networks remain scarce, Turkish groups have been spotlighted for their involvement in a wide range of illegal activities, including heroin trafficking, human smuggling and money laundering.
According to Montenegrin intelligence, Turkish criminal organizations are closely involved in the distribution of heroin. The drug, which mainly comes from Afghanistan and Turkey, enters Montenegro for both local use and onward smuggling to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other European countries. The value of heroin doubles on the regional market compared to Turkey and continues to increase in the European Union.
The northern Montenegrin town of Rozaje was identified as a major hub for the storage and distribution of heroin, with criminal networks from the northern and central regions of Montenegro playing a major role in these operations.
Money laundering and foreign companies
The report also links Turkish and Eastern European nationals to money laundering through companies registered in Montenegro. These entities, often in sectors such as consultancy, finance, real estate and car trading, serve as a front for illegal activities.
According to the latest data from the Montenegrin Bureau of Statistics (MONSTAT), there are more than 18,400 foreign-owned companies registered in the country, of which 5,002 are among Turkish nationals – a share of 27.2%. This represents a significant increase compared to 2016, when Turkish companies accounted for only 3.1% of foreign companies in Montenegro.
The rapid growth of Turkey’s business presence raises concerns about possible links to organized crime. Authorities continue to monitor and address these activities as part of broader efforts to protect Montenegro’s national security and economic stability.