The NGO MANS has urged Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to publicly reveal the identities of all investors involved in projects under the agreement with the United Arab Emirates, beyond the already known Mohamed Alabbar.
Alabbar recently stated that several other companies from Dubai are preparing to invest through this agreement and that he is only the first among them. However, no other investors have been publicly named, and no additional agreements have been disclosed.
MANS raised concerns over Alabbar’s preference to partner with “local investors,” warning that this could open the door to individuals connected to local power structures. The organization also highlighted the absence of anti-corruption clauses, ownership transparency, and anti-money laundering safeguards in the agreement.
The agreement allows for “third parties” to join the investments without clear criteria or procedures, further deepening concerns about transparency.
MANS criticized the lack of information from the government, noting that key details about the scope and participants of the investments have only come from Alabbar himself. They warned that such opacity could increase the risk of money laundering, particularly given the UAE’s reputation as a financial haven.
Additionally, MANS referenced concerns from the European Union that the agreement could jeopardize Montenegro’s EU integration process by circumventing essential regulations, especially those related to public procurement and transparency.
They demanded that Prime Minister Spajić disclose all other investors and provide the public with clear and complete information. “Transparency is not optional — it is a duty,” MANS stated.
