SIPA Operation: Searches and arrests at 11 locations, 14 suspects

(Patria) - Police officers of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) with the assistance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tuzla Canton and the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina are today, 09.07.2024, conducting an operational action codenamed "Šljivice", and are searching persons, residential and business premises, and movable property at 11 locations in the areas of Tuzla, Živinice, Lukavac, Gračanica, Zvornik, Bijeljina and Šamac under the orders of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the operational action, searches of persons, residential premises and movable property owned or used by suspects are being conducted, as well as the temporary seizure of items that may serve as evidence in the commission of the criminal offenses of "Organized Crime", in connection with the criminal offenses of "Tax Evasion or Fraud", "Illegal Trafficking of Excise Goods", "Illegal Storage of Goods", "Illegal Trade", and "Money Laundering" of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The searches involve 14 suspects, and activities on the ground are ongoing. 13 out of 14 suspects have been found, while one person is on the run. Also, a certain quantity of cigarettes and cut tobacco without Bosnia and Herzegovina excise stamps, two cigarette-filling machines, one cutting machine, mobile phones, SIM cards, and other items that may serve as evidence that the aforementioned criminal offenses have been committed have been found so far.

Since the operational action is still ongoing, the public will be informed of the details upon its completion.