Operation 'Beggar': Podgorica police detain two Montenegrin and two foreign nationals for begging; two foreign nationals issued residence termination and voluntary return decisions

Officials from the Podgorica Department of Security conducted a planned operational action called 'Beggar', aimed at preventing, detecting, and suppressing begging, as well as combating forced begging, which is a form of human trafficking, with a special focus on identifying potential victims of this illegal activity. During today's activity within this operation, four individuals were caught begging at busy locations, including two Montenegrin and two foreign nationals. Based on operational intelligence, police officers located and identified E.R. (38), a Moldovan citizen, who was caught begging with a sign in the Montenegrin language requesting money. A misdemeanor report will be submitted to the competent Misdemeanor Court for violations of Article 52 of the Law on Prevention of Drug Abuse, as during a control of S.O., police found a small package containing a green plant substance suspected to be marijuana. Regarding foreign nationals, besides misdemeanor proceedings, foreign inspectors took measures within their authority, including the ongoing action 'Beggar' in cooperation with other relevant services, to significantly suppress begging, human trafficking, and all forms of exploitation through proactive measures, identification of potential victims, and accountability of responsible persons, all aimed at protecting public order, human rights, and the safety of all citizens, with a special focus on protecting minors.