Vučić says US-sanctioned businessmen are 'not criminals' in Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has declared that Milan Radoičić and Zvonko Veselinović, businessmen under U.S. sanctions for alleged organized crime and corruption, are "not criminals" in Serbia. This statement comes despite Radoičić admitting responsibility for the armed clash in Banjska, Kosovo, which resulted in four deaths. Radoičić faces terrorism charges in Kosovo and is the subject of an Interpol red notice, yet he remains a free man in Serbia.

Vučić's stance contrasts sharply with international perceptions and Radoičić's own admitted role in the Banjska incident. Previously, Vučić described Radoičić as "not a saint" but now asserts that he is being pursued "because of Kosovo and Metohija, not because you want to imply here that he is a criminal." Radoičić was briefly detained in Serbia on suspicion of illegal arms possession but was subsequently released.

Despite their legal troubles abroad and alleged criminal ties, Radoičić and Veselinović, dubbed "Kosovo godfathers," reportedly receive protection from active members of Serbia's gendarmerie. Journalists investigating their business dealings suggest the pair have become some of the most powerful figures in Serbia, with significant influence over appointments within the security sector. Their wealth, reportedly including helicopters and hotels, is said to have grown through state tenders where they were often the sole bidders.

Questions remain about the extent of state involvement in their business success and protection. While Vučić pledged to ensure they would no longer be protected by the gendarmerie, this protection reportedly ceased shortly after his statement. Meanwhile, Serbian judicial institutions have not responded to inquiries regarding ongoing investigations into Radoičić, leaving the extent of his legal entanglements in Serbia unclear.

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Ti ljudi, kosovski kumovi, Radoičić i Veselinović, odavno su među najmoćnijim ljudima u ovoj zemlji. Posebno se ta moć projektuje kroz njihov uticaj na odabir i postavljanje ljudi u bezbednosnom sektoru koji je zapravo potpuno premrežen ljudima od njihovog poverenja