The Higher Court in Podgorica has sentenced Jelena Perović, the former head of Montenegro’s Anti-Corruption Agency (ASK), to two years and two months in prison for abuse of office and falsifying official documents. Her deputy, Nina Paović, received six months of house arrest. The court also ordered the pair to repay €19,825 and €7,417, respectively.
Perović was convicted of using agency funds to pay her daughter’s mobile bills and unauthorized travel for an external contractor. While she was acquitted on other counts, her defense lawyer, Nikola Martinović, confirmed an appeal. He argued that auditors had previously cleared the contractor’s engagement and warned the ruling sets a dangerous precedent for all public officials.
Perović, a former judge dismissed in 2024, is currently under precautionary reporting measures. As an EU candidate, Montenegro faces intense pressure to bolster its rule of law.
