Accused drug boss reveals name of "corrupt police general"

Accused drug boss reveals name of "corrupt police general"

Previously Šarić referred to him as "General Papaya" but would not reveal his identity until today. The defendant now accuses Milović of, among other things, "creating the Zemun Clan" and of "taking the money they obtained from kidnappings."

Police affairs expert Marko Nicović, however, interpreted this statement as Šarić's "revenge on the Serbian police."

All three observers, however, agree that criminal activities on the scale that Šarić stands accused of would be "impossible without the cooperation of the people from the police."

Zlatko Nikolić noted that statements made by an accused person must be taken "only conditionally" as they strive to make use of "all possible means to get out of trouble."

At the same time, he adds, that does not mean that the statements are not true - but that they should be "subsequently be checked, especially in situations when someone from top police ranks is mentioned."

In such situations, extra caution is necessary, according to Nikolić, who noted that "we all know that organized crime cannot exist without direct communication and contact between clan leaders and those at the top of the police, all the way down to street cops."

Dušan Davidović commented for Tanjug to also advise caution when it comes to statements from persons undergoing trial, "especially those accused of serious crimes such as Šarić."

"On the other hand, everything that Šarić did and all the businesses he had in the country are absolutely unfeasible without direct or very close ties with top authorities," said Davidović, who is an associate of the Institute for Criminologist and Sociological Research.

He points out that "top authorities" in these cases means "the so-called second echelon" - in other words, "not the minister or their deputy."

Nicović also points out that Šarić's statement could be interpreted as a way to take revenge on the police for their actions against his clan, and noted that, "in addition to words, he must offer concrete evidence for his claims."

But Nicović added that the notion of "an honest police" was another thing to be taken with caution, and added that the U.S. DEA "suspected there were ties between Šarić and the Serbian police, which is why they were working with the (Serbian agency) BIA" during Operation Balkan Warrior, which exposed Šarić's group.

"Milović is considered an honest policeman... but it would be good to check everything regarding both his assets and the assets of his associates... and if any of them took the money - it's not that hard to determine," said Nicović.