Four Serbian citizens allegedly entered Montenegro on 2 June with the purpose of arranging accommodation in prestigious hotels in Tivat for part of a larger group that was later expelled from the country. The group was removed from Tivat Airport due to security concerns ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, according to Vijesti.
The main group of 87 men landed in Tivat at 10:41 a.m. on a charter flight operated by Serbia’s national airline “Air Serbia” and was returned to Belgrade shortly before 4:00 p.m.
The charter flight was reportedly arranged by the tourism agency “Happy Travel” from Bijeljina, Telegrafi reported.
Montenegrin security services stated that the group was expelled because it was assessed as a potential national security risk and that several individuals had a history of participation in high-risk public gatherings. Some were reportedly also linked to criminal offences involving violence.
According to police sources, the group refused to explain the purpose of their arrival in Montenegro.
Many of the passengers have been labelled by Serbian opposition media, activists, and students as individuals close to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and linked to incidents involving protests, sports-related violence, and informal security groups connected to political rallies in Serbia.
During the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, which will bring together top European and regional leaders, Montenegrin authorities seized banners reading “Serbia wins”, long-range communication devices, and radio equipment. Two buses with Serbian license plates, allegedly intended for transporting the group, were also confiscated.
A police source told Vijesti that the flight was checked due to suspicions of “hybrid activity.” Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said that Montenegro is facing hostile influences targeting its European path, although he did not specify actors or actions.
Serbia’s Security and Information Agency (BIA) later advised President Aleksandar Vučić not to travel to Montenegro, citing security risks and claiming intelligence information about the presence of Radoje Zvicer, alleged leader of the Kavač clan.
Journalist Vera Didanović told Vijesti that the incident cannot be reduced to a simple explanation, suggesting it may represent either a poorly executed operation or a deliberate political message aimed at EU officials or domestic audiences.
The situation comes amid ongoing political tensions in Serbia and the wider region, including recent scandals and controversies involving state institutions and media narratives.
Montenegrin authorities have not yet issued detailed explanations regarding the identities of all passengers, while opposition figures in Serbia have called the incident a major political scandal and demanded accountability.
