Enhancing Counter Smuggling and Trafficking Capacities of National Institutions in Montenegro

Recent changes in migratory movement in the Western Balkans (WB) and the emergence of a new coastal route through Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina towards EU countries have revealed needs for enhanced capacities of the Government of Montenegro as well as strengthened regional cooperation for identifying and investigating new forms of smuggling of migrants (SOM) and trafficking in human beings (THB).

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to improved rates in identification and investigation of SOM/THB cases in Montenegro. The expected outcome “relevant governmental authorities successfully identify THB and SOM victims and vulnerable migrants, investigate and prosecute perpetrators of criminal offences with elements of THB and SOM, using a victim centred and gender sensitive approach” will be enabled by increasing inter-institutional cooperation, knowledge and skills of national law enforcement and criminal justice authorities engaged in combating THB/SOM, as well as enhancing regional cooperation in joint investigations particularly through exchange of best practices and lessons learned.

The proposed activities will contribute towards enhancement of strategic and operational cooperation among Ministry of Interior (MoI), more specifically Criminal Police and its Special Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling Investigation Unit, Border Police and Public Order Police, and Supreme Prosecutor’s Office, while effectively fostering regional cooperation. The project plans to support the establishment of the Special Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling Investigation Unit within the MoI through capacity building activities and provision of technical equipment.