Over 150 illegal buildings identified in Žabljak; 60 face criminal charges

Montenegrin police have identified more than 150 illegally constructed buildings in the municipality of Žabljak within a two-year period, leading to criminal charges against 60 individuals.

The Regional Security Center "Zapad" conducted multi-month investigations, identifying suspects who allegedly built the structures without proper documentation. The estimated damage to Montenegro's budget from this illegal construction amounts to around 350,000 euros.

These investigations involved collaboration with the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, the Municipal Police, and the Municipal Inspection of Žabljak. The police stated that illegal construction has long-term negative consequences, including environmental degradation, destruction of protected areas, and disruption of planned development.

The Police Directorate affirmed its commitment to continuing activities nationwide, in cooperation with local and state institutions, to detect, prosecute, and suppress illegal construction. This effort aims to protect the interests of the state and its citizens.

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Given that illegal construction and other forms of degradation and devastation of space have long-term negative consequences for the environment, lead to the destruction of protected areas, disrupt landscape and ambient values, and endanger planned and sustainable spatial development, the Police Directorate will, at the national level, in cooperation with relevant institutions at the local and state level, continue to implement activities aimed at detecting, prosecuting, and suppressing this form of criminality, thereby protecting the interests of the state and its citizens.