Serbia: Tax Evasion Suspect Vujović Not Banned from Leaving Country Amid Ongoing Probe

Despite being previously arrested on suspicion of tax evasion, Spasoje Vujović, one of the Serbian citizens recently deported from Montenegro, has not been issued a travel ban from Serbia. The Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (TOK) confirmed that the investigation against Vujović and 26 other suspects remains active.

The ongoing investigation is complex, involving over 180,000 pages of documentation that require economic-financial expertise. This process has not yet concluded, delaying the finalization of the case. Vujović was initially arrested in Subotica in October 2023 on charges related to tax evasion and abuse of official position, with prosecutors alleging he and others obtained illicit financial gains exceeding 926,000 euros. Another charge of tax evasion involves an amount of over 578 million Serbian dinars.

While Vujović was held in pretrial detention by the Special Department for Organized Crime of the Higher Court in Belgrade in October 2023, this measure was lifted on November 23 of the same year. The TOK has implemented temporary measures to secure the potential proceeds of the alleged crimes, including restrictions on the disposal or encumbrance of significant real estate owned by Vujović and his family, totaling approximately 989 square meters of living and commercial space, along with about 74,000 square meters of land.

Montenegrin security services intercepted 87 Serbian citizens arriving by charter flight from Belgrade at Tivat Airport on June 3rd, returning them to Serbia. Authorities cited national security risks, stating the individuals were associated with high-risk gatherings or had records of violent offenses. This action occurred amidst heightened security measures for the EU-Western Balkans Summit. Banners reading "Serbia Wins" and a maritime radio station were confiscated, and authorities indicated plans for long-term entry bans for all deported individuals.