New Series of Criminal Proceedings Against Environmental Crime: Criminal Charges Against Six Individuals for Illegal Construction of 15 Buildings in Žabljak; Damage to the Budget Exceeds 40,000 Euros

Since the beginning of 2025, in a new series of criminal proceedings against environmental crime, with a special focus on combating illegal construction and space devastation, the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Pljevlja, upon order from the competent state prosecutor, has filed five criminal charges against six individuals for suspected illegal construction activities in the Žabljak municipality. One individual illegally built two buildings in 2024, causing damage to the Montenegro Budget amounting to 4,638.59 euros; S.S. (54) from Pljevlja, residing in Pljevlja, and V.K. illegally constructed ten buildings in 2024, causing damage of 27,594 euros; and S.B. (36) from Nikšić, who during 2025, committed these five criminal acts—illegal construction of 15 buildings in Žabljak—resulting in total damage to the Montenegro Budget of 40,036.19 euros. Officers from the Western Regional Security Center, in cooperation with the Urban-Construction Inspection of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, as well as Municipal Police and Inspection of Žabljak Municipality, have been working since the beginning of 2025. The Police Directorate will continue implementing planned activities aligned with the national priorities of the Police Directorate in fighting environmental crime, aimed at detecting, suppressing, and prosecuting illegal construction across Montenegro, which causes not only space devastation but also enormous material damage to the Montenegro Budget and its citizens.