Fake basketball coach in Kotor sentenced to 17 years for child abuse

The Higher Court in Podgorica has sentenced a man identified as I. K. (38) from Kotor to a single prison term of 17 years after finding him guilty of sexually abusing minors, committing indecent acts and exploiting children for pornography.

The case came to light at the end of July 2024, when the Center for Social Work notified police about suspected child abuse; the suspect was arrested and placed in custody. Time spent in detention will be credited from July 31, 2024.

Prosecutors say the abuse occurred during sports activities

During the trial it was established that between 2022 and 2024 the accused used his proximity to sports facilities in Kotor and his presence at training sessions to abuse children, show them pornographic material and exchange explicit content with them via the Snapchat application.

Basketball Club Kotor’s management said the man was not officially employed as an assistant coach but attended practices as a basketball enthusiast and occasionally worked with children. Parents interviewed separately said he had long been present in the club, travelled with children to matches and organised social gatherings and outings.

Judge Irina Shofranac-Nedović imposed separate sentences of five years each for rape of a child under 14 and for indecent acts, and an eight-year term for three counts of continued exploitation of children for pornography, resulting in a combined single sentence of 17 years. After the verdict the court extended his pretrial detention, which may continue until the ruling becomes final and for no longer than the length of the imposed sentence. The public was excluded from the courtroom while the court gave its reasoning.

The case has prompted debate about child safety in sports clubs across Montenegro. The Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro found systemic shortcomings and recommended that the Ministry of Sport and Youth review existing regulations and introduce clearer procedures for mandatory vetting of people working with minors.

Photo: Ilustracija (AI)