Investigations by KRIK have revealed that individuals with criminal records—including convictions for murder, assault, and drug trafficking—as well as those closely linked to organized crime, have actively supported the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vučić over the past year. Many of these figures have been seen at Ćacilend, the camp in front of the Presidency in Belgrade where Vučić’s supporters regularly gather.
These individuals have been recorded attacking citizens and students during protests, including kicking, insulting, and throwing chairs, particularly after the collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1, 2024, which claimed 16 lives.
Journalists confirmed the identities of these participants through digital tools, social media research, and official court records, documenting criminal histories alongside appearances at protests.
Profiles of Key Figures
Petar Panić Pana – Convicted for assault, extortion, illegal weapon possession, and unauthorized archaeological digging. Seen at Ćacilend in March 2025. Closely linked to the late Zemun Clan leader Dušan Spasojević and high-ranking SNS officials.
Đorđe Prelić Prela – Convicted of murder and prior hooligan violence. Seen in August 2025 at Ćacilend; claims his attendance was motivated by patriotism.
Vladimir Mandić – Acquitted of attempted murder; implicated in financial and election irregularities. Filmed kicking a student at a May 1, 2025 protest in Belgrade.
Bojan Vujošević Mrvica – Security worker with prior extortion allegations. Seen attacking protesters in March 2025 and abroad during EuroBasket 2025.
Vladimir Vućetić – Accused of terrorism in Kosovo’s Banjska case; currently at large with an Interpol notice.
Dijana Hrkalović – Former MUP official convicted of influence peddling. Has connections to organized crime figures and frequently appeared at pro-government events.
Jovan Kecman Coja – Convicted for attempted murder and drug trafficking. Participated in violent actions against protesters in Novi Sad in August 2025.
Jovo and Milenko Stanarević – Both involved in assaults; acted as guards at SNS facilities in Novi Sad.
Dejan Simeunović – Acquitted of murder; present at Pančevo protests in August 2025.
Nikola Radonjić – Convicted of stabbing a man in 2019; seen at protests in Niš in August 2025.
Bojan Mihajlović – Former MMA fighter; faced multiple dismissed charges for threats and arson. Seen at Novi Sad protests in August 2025.
Nina Šobota – Closely connected to criminal figures; participates in Ćacilend events supporting Vučić.
Bojan Raičević – Accused of threatening citizens and endangering public safety; seen in Belgrade protests in August 2025.
Jelenko Pijevac – Known for threatening citizens at protests; seen in Belgrade in March 2025.
KRIK continues to monitor and update the “Ćaci(ji): Guardians of the Party” database. Readers are invited to provide tips on other individuals attending protests via [email protected].
This investigation highlights the blurring of lines between criminal networks and political support, raising concerns over the safety of citizens and the integrity of public demonstrations in Serbia.
