Montenegro Expels Six Ukrainian Citizens Accused of Building Links to High-Risk Crime Group

Montenegro has expelled six Ukrainian citizens and banned them from returning for five years, according to the country’s police. A seventh Ukrainian citizen, who is currently abroad, has also been barred from entering Montenegro.

The expelled individuals were identified by initials and ages: D.S., 32; V.Y., 31; O.S., 33; N.S., 28; H.K., 32; and A.K., 31. Police said they found and confiscated various communications devices, GPS equipment used to track movements, drones, restraints and other items.

Authorities said the individuals could represent a threat to Montenegro’s internal and national security. Police also said they suspected the group had established a cooperative network with a high-risk organized crime group operating in Montenegro.

The police administration said it initiated the withdrawal of their temporary protection status after operational checks established links with an organized crime group. The status had been granted under Montenegro’s decision on temporary protection for people from Ukraine.

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To prevent illegal activities from being carried out on the territory of Montenegro, the Police Administration, within its authority, initiated the withdrawal of temporary protection for these persons after operational checks established their connection with an organized crime group, because grounds existed relating to internal and national security.