The High Prosecutorial Council (VST) has decided that four prosecutors will leave the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (TOK) and return to their original offices. This raises concerns over the future of ongoing investigations, particularly high-profile cases linked to groups and individuals allegedly close to the ruling party.
Among those affected are prosecutors Irena Bjeloš and Aleksandar Isailović, who lead investigations into the “Balkanski Kartel” case, the seizure of five tons of marijuana in Konjuh, and allegations involving the Nadstrešnica case. Experts aligned with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) reportedly opposed or abstained in the vote, including Justice Minister Nenad Vujić.
Retired prosecutor Jasmina Paunović described the decision as “blocking” TOK’s work, warning that replacing experienced prosecutors on such complex cases could jeopardize evidence collection, continuity, and investigative effectiveness.
Lawyer Viktor Gostiljac criticized the move as politically motivated, aimed at eliminating prosecutors perceived as independent or “unreliable” to authorities, while weakening the office’s institutional credibility.
Prosecutors Bjeloš and Isailović emphasized that continuity is essential in complex organized crime investigations. Bjeloš highlighted that changes in the prosecutorial team can create delays and risks in the investigation process, while Isailović expressed disappointment at the council members’ votes, noting the potential influence of political considerations.
The decision has sparked debate over the independence of Serbia’s prosecutorial system and the future of high-profile organized crime investigations.
