Crime in Montenegro

The most significant organised-crime concerns in Montenegro include serious violence, drug, weapons and tobacco smuggling, human trafficking, corruption, money laundering and cybercrime. Property theft, burglary, robbery, fraud, property damage and violence in public places also affect everyday safety. Coastal areas, nightlife districts, transport hubs and large events can have more seasonal opportunity-related risks, but the available national figures do not establish a reliable crime rate for every municipality. Remote and mountainous areas can create longer communication and response times. The Police Directorate, Uprava policije, works under the Ministry of the Interior. Its structures include the Sector for Combating Crime, general police services, border police, financial intelligence, forensic services and regional security centres or departments. Police departments operate in places including Podgorica, Nikšić, Bar, Herceg Novi, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja and Budva, with further local departments. Call 122 for the police and 112 for a general emergency involving police, medical or other urgent assistance. Both numbers are free and operate around the clock. A false report can constitute a criminal offence under Article 388 of the Criminal Code. For an emergency, an offence in progress, an injury or a traffic collision, give the location first and call 112 or 122. For a non-urgent report, contact the nearest police station or field office. Describe the time, place, conduct, suspected offender, witnesses and your contact details. Keep digital evidence in its original form, including messages, URLs, headers, images and payment records. The police coordinate with the State Prosecutor. A victim can ask for information, referral, protection measures and an interpreter or other accessibility support; availability and procedure depend on the case. Support for victims is provided through several institutions rather than one universal crime service. Police, the State Prosecutor, courts and Centres for Social Work handle formal pathways. Specialist NGOs and shelters support people affected by domestic or gender-based violence. The national SOS line for domestic violence, 080 111 111, is described by the current government information as anonymous, free and available continuously. Human-trafficking concerns can be reported to 11 6666, described in official material as free, anonymous and available 24/7 in Montenegrin and English. Possible support includes safe accommodation, administrative help, legal assistance, psychological support, social and health referrals, and safe return or reintegration, depending on the provider and circumstances. Support should not be treated as conditional on immediate willingness to make a statement. In 2024, authorities recorded 840 offences involving domestic violence or violence within a family community and 46 related offences, affecting 929 victims, including 99 minors. Trafficking indicators include threats or coercion, withheld identity documents or wages, restricted movement, sexual or labour exploitation, forced begging and forced participation in prostitution or other offences. A foreign victim may in some circumstances qualify for humanitarian residence, and a documented reflection period can last 90 days. Do not confront a suspected trafficker or violent offender when doing so increases danger; move to a safer place and contact the police or a relevant support service. Cybercrime includes phishing, account takeover, payment and card fraud, sextortion and malicious links. In 2025, the Police High-Tech Crime Group handled 334 reported cases, closed 273 and had 61 open cases at the reported reference point. After an online or payment incident, contact the bank or payment provider immediately, block the card or account, change passwords, activate two-factor authentication and preserve URLs, headers, chats and payment evidence. Do not send more money or intimate material. The Cybersecurity Agency and CIRT ME provide warnings and protection for essential and important systems; data-protection and consumer remedies are separate issues from the criminal report. In 2024, 383 minors were recorded as responsible for 406 offences, including 185 property offences and 60 offences against life or bodily integrity. Authorities also recorded 88 offences against minors. A child who is a victim or witness can receive help through 122 or 112, a trusted adult, school, health services, a Centre for Social Work, the juvenile prosecutor or a court. Do not publish or forward sexualised material involving a minor. The peer-violence hotline 080 777 777 is listed as operating 24/7; calls are recorded, staff are available from 7:00 to 15:00, and later recordings are processed on the next working day. Everyday prevention includes securing identity documents and valuables, displaying little cash, independently checking accommodation, transport and payment services, using official providers, avoiding isolated places alone at night and using unique passwords, two-factor authentication and current software. Do not intervene personally in organised or violent situations. If a police officer is suspected of abuse, the Internal Control Unit can examine legality, human rights, complaints and possible disciplinary or criminal misconduct; an immediate danger still requires 122 or 112. Criminal-law doctrine, disaster response and consumer remedies follow separate specialist pathways. Exact office hours, language support and hotline availability should be checked again before relying on a non-emergency service.