Milan Ostojić, known as Sandokan, former leader of the notorious “Šabac group” and convicted for ordering a murder, has been seen at Ćacilend, a camp set up by supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Pioneer Park, Belgrade, reports KRIK.
Photographs obtained by KRIK show Ostojić last month in a tent with SNS MP Uglješa Mrdić, as well as visiting Ćacilend at least once during the summer.
Mrdić had staged a hunger strike in November on the steps of the National Assembly, which drew public attention. Visitors to support him included party colleagues and individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. Among them, KRIK identified Ostojić, who served nearly a decade in prison for ordering murders.
Other figures at Ćacilend have also included convicted criminals who came to show loyalty to President Vučić and the SNS, sometimes physically confronting student protesters. KRIK has compiled a database called “Guardians of the Party” documenting these individuals.
Ostojić’s Criminal Background
- Leader of the Šabac criminal group, responsible for at least five murders and one attempted murder.
- Engaged in heroin trafficking, money laundering, and robberies.
- Arrested in 2009 along with his group and accused of orchestrating multiple killings.
- Convicted for ordering the murder of Siniša Kromekta; initial sentence of 20 years reduced to 10 years on appeal.
- Released on parole in March 2018, before completing his sentence.
Ostojić has maintained connections with larger criminal networks, including the Darko Šarić cartel, and with certain current and former Serbian law enforcement officials.
KRIK reports that Ostojić did not respond to interview requests, initially requesting written questions but ultimately not providing answers. MP Mrdić also declined comment.
This revelation highlights the presence of individuals with criminal records in political demonstrations and their direct proximity to political figures in Serbia.
