Serbian police units allegedly guarding controversial businessmen

New information reveals that active members of Serbia's Gendarmerie and the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) are allegedly providing security for controversial businessmen Milan Radoičić and Zvonko Veselinović. This goes beyond previously reported instances, with reports now identifying Neđeljko Gole, an active SAJ member and sniper team leader, as part of Veselinović's security detail.

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In the police, a trend has indeed developed, whether through some friendly connections, family ties, or even regional ones, where individual police officers take it upon themselves to provide security for individuals who should otherwise be arresting them, outside of working hours.

This alleged arrangement persists despite a decree issued by Interior Minister Ivica Dačić shortly after a shooting incident in Senjak, which strictly prohibited such assignments. Questions have been raised regarding whether the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Internal Control Sector has investigated these activities, which are reportedly against regulations and laws.

Retired MUP Colonel Slavica Radovanović commented on the trend, suggesting that some police officers use "friendly, family, or regional connections" to provide security for individuals who should otherwise be apprehended. She noted that in these specific cases, some Gendarmerie members allegedly provide security during working hours, failing to report for their official duties.

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It will be difficult to prove that these individuals are in security, why? Because they have not been issued an official order instructing them what they are doing during their working hours, and secondly, these individuals are registered in the Gendarmerie's records as being at work that day.

Former police inspector Siniša Janković questioned whether the protection offered extends beyond physical security to shielding these businessmen from legal accountability. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not responded to inquiries about who approves these off-duty engagements and the procedures involved, nor whether the Internal Control Sector is addressing these cases. Radovanović anticipates little police reaction, suggesting it might be part of a "tacit agreement" between unit commanders and the government, making it difficult to prove the officers' involvement in private security roles.

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We should talk about whether the mentioned businessmen are physically secured, or if they are secured by providing them protection from falling under the impact of the law and not being held accountable.