Zero tolerance for crime: Montenegro to establish Financial Police with assistance from Guardia di Finanza

The Government of Montenegro, with the support of the Italian Guardia di Finanza, will work on establishing a Financial Police. The initial steps of collaboration were agreed upon during a meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and representatives of the renowned Italian institution, led by General Vito Giordano.

During the meeting, it was stressed that the Government holds a highly ambitious objective in combating crime, and in this endeavor, the backing of top-tier entities is crucial, a role that Guardia di Finanza undoubtedly fulfills.

We aspire to learn, and you are a true example of combating various forms of crime. We aim to end all bad practices and create a new Montenegro with zero tolerance towards financial malpractice. The goal is to mirror your way of work and adapt it to our system, said the Prime Minister.

The importance of Guardia di Finanza in the fight against crime in Italy was discussed. It was noted that there is room for collaboration, including through training of personnel, given that the Italian special police force has a school specializing in combating financial malpractice.

It was agreed at the meeting that the first step would be to conduct an analysis of the current situation, followed by the preparation of legislation for the establishment of a special agency.

We currently have several different institutions with departments dedicated to monitoring suspicious activities in this field. We believe that consolidating them into a Financial Police force would significantly enhance our ability to combat corruption at the highest levels, as well as organised crime. We do not want dirty money, but to attract legitimate and credible investors, which we will achieve through strengthening the rule of law, stated Prime Minister Spajić.

As a promising start, the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, adopted in December, was highlighted.

However, for the proper implementation of good legislative solutions, it is necessary to work on strengthening personnel and institutions. Therefore, Prime Minister Spajić emphasised that the Government will provide full support for the establishment of an authority that, with the assistance of Guardia di Finanza, would meet the expectations of the entire public regarding the fight against crime.

General Vito Giordano stressed that the meeting provided clear guidelines and that the Government's goal is very ambitious, acknowledging that it will not be easy to achieve, but Guardia di Finanza will provide support along the way.