Marko Kričak, head of Serbia’s Directorate for Criminal Police, was arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of abuse of office, following an order issued by the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade.
Boško Sekulović, head of the Service for the Suppression of Crime, was also detained. According to media reports, the arrests are linked to a criminal complaint filed by the lawyer representing Veselin Milić, an assistant director of the Serbian Police and former head of the Belgrade police department.
The case centers on the investigation into the murder of Aleksandar Nešović, known as “Baja,” who was killed at the 27 restaurant in Belgrade’s Senjak neighborhood in May.
Kričak had led the police operation following the killing, while Milić was also named in the initial police report.
Allegations of evidence tampering and witness pressure
Kričak is suspected of falsifying evidence and putting pressure on witnesses connected to the accused in an effort to make the facts fit a predetermined version of events.
The allegations, if substantiated, could raise serious questions about the handling of the murder investigation and the integrity of the police structures responsible for combating organized crime.
Nešović, who was reportedly linked to the criminal group led by Dejan Stojanović, known as “Keka,” was killed in May.
According to the prosecution’s account, Nešović arrived near the restaurant on May 12 at around 11 p.m. in an armored BMW X7. He had allegedly been invited to the meeting by Milić, who reportedly suggested that he come without security.
Media reports say Nešović initially hesitated to enter after noticing vehicles belonging to several suspects. However, following a phone call from Saša V., with whom he had previously been involved in a dispute, he returned and sat at a table with him, Mario S. and Milić.
Prosecutors suspect that an argument broke out before Saša V. opened fire several times, killing Nešović.
Investigators believe the weapon had been obtained by Danka V., who allegedly handed it to Mario S., who then passed it on to Saša V.
Several suspects face charges
Saša V., 48, and Mario S., 46, are suspected of aggravated murder, weapons-related offenses and endangering public safety.
Danka V., 42, faces allegations related to illegal weapons, while other individuals are suspected of failing to report the crime or assisting those responsible.
According to the prosecution, after the shooting, Dejan S. helped the suspects flee by car toward Šabac, Lake Dobrodol and, subsequently, Stara Pazova.
Nešović’s disappearance was reported by his partner after he had informed her that he was at the restaurant shortly before his phone became unreachable.
Media reports have suggested that the meeting was arranged as an attempt to reconcile Nešović and Saša V. However, the new allegations against officials involved in the investigation have raised questions about how evidence was collected and whether the investigation was conducted properly.
The allegations against the detained police officials remain subject to investigation, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a final court judgment.
