Seven arrested in Belgrade for allegedly stealing fuel from foreign ships on Danube

Authorities in Belgrade have arrested seven people suspected of a fuel theft operation targeting foreign vessels navigating the Danube River. The alleged criminal activity reportedly began in August 2025 and continued until the arrests were made.

The suspects, identified by their initials as I.R., D.R., R.Ž., D.J., N.Đ., S.B., and V.T., are facing charges related to organized crime and the illicit trafficking of excise goods. Investigators believe the group systematically siphoned significant amounts of Euro diesel fuel from the foreign ships.

According to the announcement from the TOK (Organized Crime Suppression Unit), the stolen fuel was transferred into plastic containers, which were then loaded onto freight vehicles. The fuel was subsequently stored in improvised warehouses before being illegally placed on the market. This operation allowed the suspects to profit from the sale of untaxed fuel, generating an as-yet-undetermined illicit financial gain.

The arrested individuals have been taken to TOK facilities for further questioning. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the operation and the total value of the stolen and illegally traded fuel.