SIPA arrests suspect in Lukavac for money laundering from large-scale cocaine trafficking from South America

(Patria) - Police officers of the State Investigation and Protection Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SIPA) conducted searches at several locations in the Lukavac area and arrested one person suspected of organized crime related to money laundering.

The searches, part of the operation "Plaza," were carried out yesterday at five locations, and a safe in a bank in Tuzla was also searched, SIPA announced.

Items that may serve as evidence in the further course of criminal proceedings were found - mobile phones, a larger amount of cash, certain documentation, as well as other items that can be linked to the commission of criminal offenses.

The operation is being carried out based on investigative actions and collected evidence regarding the activities of an organized crime group that transported and distributed large quantities of cocaine from South American countries to Western European countries and beyond.

This group laundered multi-million sums of money obtained through these criminal activities, and during the commission of the crimes, group members communicated via the "SKY" application.

The searches were conducted pursuant to a warrant from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior of the Tuzla Canton, SIPA stated.

After being deprived of liberty, SIPA police officers handed over the suspect from the Lukavac area, born in 1977, to the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Evidence has been collected indicating that this suspect illegally brought at least 1.5 million euros from Western European countries into the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which money was further invested in business operations of legal entities, i.e., companies owned by other members of the organized group.

After questioning the suspect, the prosecutor in charge will decide on a proposal for custody and further investigative activities in the case.