From 28 to 30 September 2026, the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) hosted a study visit for representatives of the Montenegrin police and Ministry of the Interior, aimed at strengthening capacities in financial investigations. Organised within the project “Assistance under Chapter 24 – Strengthening Capacities in Financial Investigations – Montenegro”, the visit combined expert discussions at Jable Castle with presentations of Slovenian practices at the Maribor and Celje Police Directorates.
The visit centred on the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for financial investigations in Montenegro. Together with CEP experts David Antolovič and Damijan Turk, participants reviewed the draft procedures and discussed their practical application. Topics included the purpose of financial investigations, criteria for initiating them, gathering information and evidence, and reporting findings. Discussions emphasised the need for clear, practical procedures adapted to Montenegro’s legal and institutional framework.
Visits to the Maribor and Celje Police Directorates provided insight into financial investigations at regional and local levels. Through practical examples, Slovenian colleagues presented approaches to tracing financial flows, identifying assets and their origins, and securing funds promptly. Participants also explored challenges in investigating fraud and money laundering, alongside the importance of cooperation with other competent institutions and international partners.
Rapid action, thorough information gathering and effective information exchange emerged as key themes throughout the visit. Participants highlighted the role of local police in initial enquiries and the need for coordinated work between police, the financial intelligence unit, other relevant institutions and judicial authorities.
The three-day visit offered an opportunity for open exchange and for connecting the proposed procedures with practical investigative challenges. The findings and recommendations will inform further revisions of Montenegro’s draft SOPs and support continued professional cooperation in financial investigations.
The project “Strengthening capacities in the field of financial investigations in Montenegro (2025/2026)” is implemented with the support of the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships Programme, in cooperation with the Slovenian Police and the Slovenian Ministry of Interior.