Serbian authorities have recovered the body of a man stuffed inside a barrel, days after investigators say Belgrade's police chief arranged a meeting that ended in his killing at a restaurant in the Serbian capital.
Background
Aleksandar Nesovic, known as "Baja," disappeared last week following an alleged encounter at the restaurant called "27" in Belgrade. Prosecutors allege that Police Chief Veselin Milic invited Nesovic to meet with two other men to resolve mutual disagreements between them. The meeting took place overnight between May 12 and 13, according to prosecutors.
The gathering turned deadly when one of the two men shot and killed Nesovic "in a treacherous manner," prosecutors said in a statement. Both the victim and the shooter were reportedly well-known figures in Belgrade's underworld. Following the shooting, Milic and three of his police bodyguards allegedly assisted the perpetrators, according to investigators.
The case only came to light after information began spreading through media and social networks, forcing authorities to address the situation publicly. "There are many witnesses to what happened that night in Senjak," Belgrade lawyer Ivan Ninic said in a television interview.
The Investigation
On Thursday, Serbian police and army personnel discovered a body believed to be Nesovic's inside a barrel buried in the municipality of Indjija, approximately 25 miles northwest of Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told state-run broadcaster RTS that authorities can confirm with "99.9 percent certainty" that the remains belong to Nesovic based on his clothing.
The body has been sent for autopsy and DNA analysis to confirm identification. Prosecutors from Belgrade's higher public prosecutor's office announced that an investigation has been launched into 10 individuals, including Milic, over charges of aggravated murder and other criminal offenses. Among those arrested are the restaurant owner and additional suspects connected to the killing.
Milic was dismissed from his position following his arrest on May 15 and subsequently remanded in custody for 30 days after questioning. Prior to serving as Belgrade's police chief, Milic worked as a security adviser to President Vucic between 2018 and 2020, according to local media reports. Investigators have seized 24 mobile phones, one fitness bracelet, two laptops, and 10 vehicles as evidence in the case.
Key Takeaways
- Aleksandar Nesovic, known as "Baja," was a known figure in Belgrade's criminal underworld
- Police Chief Veselin Milic allegedly arranged the meeting that resulted in Nesovic's death at restaurant "27" between May 12-13
- Milic and three of his police bodyguards are accused of assisting perpetrators after the murder
- Body found stuffed in barrel buried in Indjija municipality, 25 miles northwest of Belgrade; DNA testing pending
- Ten people face investigation including aggravated murder charges; Milic remains in custody
What's Next
Autopsy results and DNA analysis are expected to officially confirm the identity of the body recovered from the barrel. Prosecutors will continue building their case against Milic and the nine other suspects as the investigation progresses. President Vucic has pledged that authorities will "deal with corrupt police officers" and stated that all those involved in protecting criminals will be removed from their positions.