SIPA

This morning (27/10/2015), Police officials of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) apprehended three individuals in the operation "Lipstick", in the wider are of Sarajevo and searched premises in three locations.

These activities were carried on the orders of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo and the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with police officials of the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Internal Affairs. The operation is the result of months of investigation that SIPA investigators conducted under the supervision of the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office.

The individuals identified by the initials: SK (1984), ON (1978), and MS (1989) were apprehended due to the grounds for suspicion of having committed criminal offense “Organized Crime”, in conjunction with criminal offense “Inducement to Prostitution” and the criminal offense “Money Laundering” of the FB&H Criminal Code.

These individuals are suspected of having participated in organizing or managing activities in connection with the provision of sexual services in Sarajevo Canton and beyond, making contacts with customers and brokering the arrangements for the provision of sexual services. They transported persons who provided sexual services to the designated place and came to pick them up. The prime suspect charged for these services 50% of the agreed amount, acquiring, in this way, significant illegal material gain.

During the search, the following items were discovered and temporarily forfeited: mobile phones, SIM cards, a certain amount of money, two pieces of fire arms with ammunition, and other items that may serve as evidence in further proceedings.

The apprehended persons were brought to the SIPA premises for criminal investigation. Thereafter, the persons along with a report on the existence of grounds for suspicion of the criminal offense being committed and perpetrators, will be handed over to the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office for further proceedings.