Duško Knežević, a former ally of Milo Đukanović, faces accusations of fraud and money laundering. His lawyer disputes the charges.
Knežević’s Extradition and Legal Troubles
Duško Knežević, once among Montenegro’s wealthiest individuals, was extradited from the UK and jailed in April. The businessman, also a British-Montenegrin national, awaits trial for alleged financial crimes, which he denies. Authorities seized some of his assets, claiming his business dealings during Đukanović’s presidency require legal scrutiny.
Knežević’s lawyer, Toby Cadman, accuses Montenegrin authorities of using his client to gather evidence against Đukanović. Knežević alleges political motives behind his charges and refuses cooperation unless released. Cadman also raised concerns about Knežević’s safety, suggesting he faces threats from powerful enemies.
Historical Ties and Their Downfall
Knežević and Đukanović were close allies during Montenegro’s transition to a market economy in the 1990s. Knežević’s financial empire, including Atlasmont Bank and Mediteran University, thrived under Đukanović’s rule. However, their relationship deteriorated in 2014 over a privatization dispute regarding the Meljine hospital compound.
By 2019, Knežević publicly accused Đukanović of corruption and released a video showing a DPS official receiving €100,000. This “envelope scandal” symbolized high-level corruption but didn’t lead to Đukanović’s downfall. Analysts suggest Knežević’s exposé was motivated by personal grievances rather than moral enlightenment.
Montenegro’s EU Aspirations Under Scrutiny
Knežević’s case sheds light on systemic issues within Montenegro’s judiciary and governance. Lawyer Cadman warns that Montenegro’s judicial inefficiencies undermine its EU membership aspirations. The European Union has demanded reforms, particularly in tackling corruption and improving the rule of law.
Experts agree Montenegro has made progress but emphasize its leaders continue the patronage systems of previous regimes. For Montenegro to join the EU, it must confront corruption, represented by the enduring “envelope culture” symbolizing bribery and favoritism.