The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) stands in firm support of Dejan Milovac and the MANS Research Center following the legal action initiated against them by First Bank of Montenegro. MANS is an OCCRP member center that produces reports and research aimed at fighting corruption and organized crime in Montenegro.
The lawsuit was filed over a statement Milovac made during an appearance on a news program, in which he discussed the country’s financial institutions, use of public funds, and long standing controversies in the banking sector.
In any democratic society, and particularly one seeking deeper integration with the European Union, it is essential that researchers and civil society organizations can analyze and discuss publicly available information without the looming threat of burdensome legal consequences.
“Public scrutiny of financial institutions is a cornerstone of a transparent economy,” said OCCRP Editor in Chief Miranda Patrucic. “The work conducted by MANS is based on documented irregularities that have been a matter of international record for years. Protecting the environment for this kind of dialogue is essential for the rule of law and for fostering an engaged, informed public in Montenegro."
For over a decade, OCCRP has worked alongside MANS to document the operations of First Bank through investigative series such as First Bank - First Family and Unholy Alliances. These investigations were built upon a foundation of official documentation, regulatory findings, and rigorous verification.
This is not the first time MANS has been targeted by lawsuits over its public statements and investigations pointing to potential corruption and links to organized crime. Over the years, similar legal actions have been used to pressure the organization and its researchers, with the aim of discouraging further work on sensitive issues.
OCCRP remains committed to supporting our partners at MANS as they continue their vital work of informing the public and upholding rigorous investigative standards.