Controversial Montenegrin Businessman Branislav Brano Mićunović Dies at 71

Branislav Brano Mićunović, a controversial businessman accused of leading organized crime in Montenegro, died in Budva at the age of 71 after a long battle with a severe illness. Despite efforts by doctors from Belgrade to save him, Mićunović's health condition was very difficult, leading to a tragic outcome.

Mićunović was a prominent figure in Montenegro, known as the "master of Montenegro" whose approval was required for any serious work in the gray zone. He had a criminal past, with his name associated with the murder of Stjepan Đureković in 1983. Mićunović spent time in prison and was acquitted of other murder charges.

In 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on Mićunović and Miodrag Daka Davidović due to their alleged connection with crime and Russia's malicious influence in the region. The U.S. accused Mićunović of being a leading figure in organized crime in Montenegro for decades, particularly in illegal cigarette smuggling, and of participating in corrupt activities with governments in the Western Balkans.

Mićunović was also accused of murdering a fellow citizen in 2000, but was legally acquitted in 2007. He was one of the defendants in a cigarette smuggling case in Bari, Italy, during the 1990s, but the proceedings were suspended due to the statute of limitations.

Why this matters: The death of Branislav Brano Mićunović marks the end of an era for a controversial figure who wielded significant influence in Montenegro's underworld. His alleged ties to organized crime and corruption had far-reaching implications for the country and the Western Balkans region.

Mićunović was involved in providing personal security for Serbian politician Zoran Đinđić in 1999 and had close relations with Darko Šarić, a figure linked to the "Balkan Warrior" cocaine smuggling affair. He was the co-owner and owner of several companies in the gambling and construction business in Montenegro.

Key Takeaways

• Branislav Brano Mićunović, a controversial Montenegrin businessman, died at 71.
• Mićunović was accused of leading organized crime and had a criminal past.
• The U.S. imposed sanctions on Mićunović for his alleged ties to crime and Russia.
• Mićunović was acquitted of murder charges but linked to cigarette smuggling.
• Mićunović's death marks the end of an era for a powerful figure in Montenegro.