Director of Republic Hydrometeorological Service detained on money‑laundering suspicion

The director of Serbia's Republic Hydrometeorological Service, Jugoslav Nikolić (71), was detained on suspicion of money laundering and related financial offences, authorities announced after a coordinated police operation that also led to the arrests of two other people.

Prosecutors open probe into transfers and property purchases

The Special Anti‑Corruption Division of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade is leading the case to determine the origin and movement of funds allegedly used in a series of transactions and real‑estate purchases in Serbia and Montenegro. Prosecutors say the alleged activity took place between November 2019 and November 2024 and involved at least €650,000.

Investigators suspect that funds were introduced into legal financial channels through bank transfers, purchases of property and transfers of ownership rights. The probe focuses on transactions and assets in Belgrade, Čačak, Užice, Bajina Bašta and several locations in Montenegro, including apartments and commercial premises.

According to the indictment details cited by investigators, Nikolić deposited more than 41.8 million Serbian dinars, €43,150 and 44,760 Swiss francs into his bank accounts; prosecutors say these sums lack sufficient coverage in his declared, lawfully acquired income. He faces an additional charge for failure to report assets and income under the anti‑corruption law.

The other two suspects — identified by initials O. N. (71) and G. N. (45) — are accused of participating in transfers and purchases connected to the probe. Prosecutors allege O. N. was involved in moving at least €227,548 used to buy apartments, a garage space and business premises, while G. N. is suspected of transferring at least 1.5 million dinars linked to the purchase of an apartment in Montenegro.

All three detainees were held in police custody for up to 48 hours and are to be brought before the competent prosecutor in Belgrade. Authorities say further financial records and collected evidence will be examined to decide whether there are grounds for criminal charges and for possible seizure of property; the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Photo: press material from the event