Press release from the Bureau for Operational Coordination of the Intelligence and Security Sector

Today, on 15 February 2024, the Bureau for Operational Coordination, in full composition and with the participation of the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Public Administration, held its second session of the new term. During this session, the Bureau continued its ongoing activities aimed at intensifying and innovating inter-agency collaboration modalities, by enhancing operational alignment and coordination of the intelligence and security sector organs. All these efforts are directed towards raising the level of security and protecting the national and vital interests of Montenegro.

It is noteworthy to emphasise that in the preceding months, the intelligence and security sector organs, in collaboration with the Special State Prosecutor's Office and other relevant prosecutorial authorities, have achieved remarkably significant results in the continuous and uncompromising fight against organised crime and corruption. This includes the submission of numerous criminal charges, prosecutions, and apprehensions of a significant number of individuals. Notably, there has been a focus on seizures of large quantities of narcotics, dismantling smuggling networks, and confiscating substantial amounts of contraband goods, such as cigarettes. Furthermore, various measures have been taken to detain and prosecute numerous members of the intelligence and security sector organs, reaffirming the commitment to reforming the security sector on the principles of professionalism, independence, morality, non-selectivity, depoliticization, and integrity. Additionally, it is commendable that amidst a security environment with continuous challenges, the safety of citizens has been preserved, and the security situation remains stable. We also commend the activities of relevant authorities in maintaining public order and peace during New Year's and Christmas holidays, as well as numerous public gatherings and events across Montenegro.

We especially commend the activities of the Ministry of the Interior, which have significantly contributed to the positive decision of the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, based on which Montenegro has avoided the Moneyval grey list. It is also worth noting that after more than a year, the issue regarding the employment of trainees from the 14th generation of the Police Academy has been resolved within the Ministry of the Interior/Police Directorate, with efforts underway to facilitate the same for trainees from the 15th generation, which gains particular significance due to known personnel deficits.

In order to further enhance inter-agency collaboration, several interdepartmental working teams have been formed, one of which will be responsible for establishing the foundations for the establishment of a maritime intelligence unit in accordance with international standards and practices of partner countries. This initiative aims to protect Montenegro's vital interests from unlawful activities at sea. It is important to emphasise that in implementing the assigned tasks, the working teams will receive expert assistance from renowned international partners.

Based on the analysis of the Ministry of Public Administration and with the participation of Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj, during that part of the session, it was noted that activities have been undertaken during the previous period to strengthen the cybersecurity system, improve information security systems, and protect network infrastructure.

Regarding the consideration of requests addressed to the Bureau for Operational Coordination, taking into account the fact that the classified version of SOCTA 2021 has not been provided to any minister in the Government of Montenegro, and given that this document identifies the most significant challenges in the areas of serious and organised crime and plans preventive, intelligence, and investigative activities of the intelligence and security sector organs, it was unanimously concluded that the requests for the provision of the classified version of SOCTA 2021 submitted by the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Defence cannot be accepted.

We emphasise that the Bureau for Operational Coordination will continue its activities in the coming period, in accordance with its legal powers, to improve all necessary conditions for enhancing inter-agency cooperation of the intelligence and security sector organs. This is aimed at accepting and implementing international standards and comprehensive counteraction to contemporary security challenges.