Police in Montenegro have launched a wide-ranging investigation into the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ivan Milačić in the capital Podgorica, in what authorities suspect is a crime linked to organized criminal groups.
The killing occurred late Friday night on the terrace of a hospitality venue on Svetozar Marković Street, where an unidentified assailant opened fire shortly before midnight, police said in a statement.
Milačić died at the scene, while two other individuals sustained gunshot injuries. One remains hospitalized in stable condition at the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, while the other was treated for minor injuries and released.
Authorities said that coordinated actions are being carried out under the supervision of the High State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica. “An immediate perimeter lockdown was established at the crime scene,” police said, adding that numerous forensic traces were collected during the investigation and will undergo expert analysis.
Members of multiple police departments, including the Regional Security Centre “Centre” and the Podgorica Security Department, are involved in the case, alongside specialized units of the Police Directorate.
“Initial intelligence suggests the killing is connected to the operations of organized criminal groups,” the statement said.
Police also confirmed that in 2020, Milačić had been the subject of a criminal investigation and was charged with forming a criminal organization and the illegal possession of weapons and explosives.
Authorities pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.