Andrea Perišić’s investigation reveals a web of illegal operations destroying Montenegro’s cultural heritage, while authorities remain silent amidst political distractions
Andrea Perišić from the Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG) is this year’s third-prize EU Investigative Journalism Award winner in Montenegro. Andrea did a powerful expose, “Smuggling of Montenegro archeological treasures: They blow up, sell and destroy heritage without punishment,” which highlights how the country’s rich cultural heritage is being looted, sold, and destroyed with impunity.
The issue came to her attention through a combination of local sources who expressed concerns about the vulnerability of certain sites and a few reports that highlighted Montenegrin artefacts appearing in private collections abroad.
“It became evident that this was more than isolated incidents—it pointed to a larger trend that had not been fully explored yet. Protecting cultural heritage is important, as it affects national identity, education, and tourism. Reporting on it felt like a civic duty”, says Andrea.
Her sources offered firsthand insights, leading her to vulnerable sites and sharing information on how smugglers operate in these areas. After observing and gathering information, Andrea continued discussions with the officials to understand the governmental stance and current policies on artefact protection. As she emphasises, these conversations were crucial for identifying gaps in enforcement and resource allocation.
“Archaeological sites and artefacts represent a tangible connection to our past, a way to understand the people, stories and events that have shaped our society. I became aware of the issue when I heard isolated reports about Montenegrin artefacts being found in international markets. Given Montenegro’s rich archaeological and historical sites, it struck me as a serious issue that these irreplaceable pieces of our history were being illegally traded abroad”, Andrea says.
Fieldwork was an essential part of verifying the claims in this investigation, as it allowed Andrea to see firsthand the suspected places, as well as get in touch with crucial interlocutors, such as a man involved in the illegal excavation of artefacts, who provided material evidence that confirmed the methods and the scale of these operations.
“His insights gave an inside perspective on how the artefacts are obtained and traded, adding depth to the investigation. Finally, after a lengthy process, I obtained documents and official information from state institutions, which confirmed certain claims regarding the vulnerability of the sites and the scope of smuggling activities. This combination of field observations, insider testimony, and official documentation created a comprehensive and verifiable picture of the smuggling networks in Montenegro.”
Andrea adds that the investigation process had its challenges. One of the main was the lack of a centralised database or official records on the missing artefacts, she notes. Another was assessing official comments from law enforcement, which was complicated because of topic sensitivity and relations with larger networks beyond Montenegrin borders. That was also one of the most shocking discoveries of Andrea’s story.
This is not a case of isolated individuals pilfering artefacts; it’s a coordinated effort in which valuable items are transported across borders, often to high-paying buyers, with little regard for the legal and ethical implications.
Andrea says that since the publication, the story did not spark any response from the authorities.
The timing coincided with a political focus on forming the new government in Montenegro, and addressing critical issues like artefact smuggling has taken a back seat. This lack of reaction highlights a troubling trend where leaders prioritise holding onto their positions rather than taking proactive steps to solve pressing problems.
The absence of an official response underscores the need for a shift in priorities, where protecting cultural heritage and addressing crime are considered essential rather than secondary issues.
Still, while lacking official feedback, reporting on cultural heritage smuggling helps protect historical sites and educates the public on the value of their heritage.
In this sense, journalism serves as both a watchdog and a platform for change, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for preservation.
Andrea believes these investigations take time, commitment, patience, and thoroughness.
“Cultural and heritage topics often involve complexity, from legal challenges to ethical considerations. Building a network of reliable sources and experts is essential, as is being persistent in your research and cross-checking all information. It is not just about uncovering the story, but helping protect something invaluable for future generations”, she concludes.
