Serbian investigative media outlet Radar has raised serious concerns over whether authorities in Belgrade are using individuals with criminal backgrounds, football fan groups, and former security personnel for operations that would normally fall under state institutions.
In an analysis titled “Operation Tivat: Criminals and Police in the Same Mission,” journalist Milan Radonjić claims that individuals from Serbian security structures, former police officers, and people with prior criminal convictions were involved in an operation conducted ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro, describing it as a well-established pattern of state functioning in Serbia.
According to Radar, a charter flight from Belgrade to Montenegro has raised concerns not only in the region but also among international security circles. The outlet alleges that among the passengers were former police officers, active members of Serbia’s Ministry of Interior, private security contractors, well-known football supporters, and individuals with criminal records.
This, the author argues, raises significant questions about the organization, financing, and true purpose of the operation.
Former security official Zoran Stijović, cited by Radar, warned that the case could have international consequences for Serbia.
“Some of the individuals on that aircraft stated they were part of informal security. This raises an international question of whether the authorities in Belgrade are using individuals with questionable security profiles and fan groups to carry out state tasks,” Stijović said.
Radar further reports that the case has drawn the attention of European intelligence services, which may seek clarification regarding the organization of the flight, the origin of equipment found with participants, and the nature of their mission in Montenegro.
Stijović added that Serbian authorities will need to provide answers on multiple aspects of the case.
“This is a case for which Serbia will have to provide answers. It will need to be clarified who financially and logistically organized the flight, where the equipment came from, and whether the goal was destabilization of Montenegro or a hybrid operation,” he said.
In conclusion, Radar assesses that the “Tivat operation” could have political and diplomatic consequences for Serbia, while key questions remain unanswered regarding who organized it, who financed it, and what its true objective was.
