Jelena Perović, former director of Montenegro’s agency for the prevention of corruption (ASK), was subject to legal action due to the allegedly unlawful sale of a state-subsidised apartment allocated to her under specific conditions while being a judge. The case resulted in a first degree court ruling against her, financial penalties and her subsequent dismissal from ASK because of other irregularities.

In 2018, while serving as a judge, Perović was granted a state-subsidised apartment under a government housing programme for judicial officials. The conditions of the allocation required her to remain in her judicial position for at least five years before selling or transferring ownership of the property. This condition was set to ensure long-term residential stability for public officials benefitting from the programme.

However, while still president of the basic court in Cetinje, Perović sold the apartment before completing the required five-year period. The premature sale was deemed a violation of the agreement, because she did not stay in the court for five years, as stipulated by the contract. As a result, legal proceedings were initiated to assess the financial impact and enforce accountability.

Following an investigation, the state filed a lawsuit to recover the funds associated with the apartment’s unlawful sale. The case was brought before the Basic court in Podgorica, which conducted a legal review of the circumstances and financial implications.

In August 2024, the Basic court in Podgorica issued a ruling requiring Perović to return €58,539.70 to the state, reflecting the value of the financial benefit she received from the subsidised apartment. The court also ordered her to pay interest on the amount, calculated from May 2019 onwards. The first degree ruling was based on findings that the early sale constituted a breach of the programme’s conditions, justifying the state’s claim for financial restitution.

In response to the court’s findings and ongoing legal concerns, than newly established Council of the Agency for the prevention of corruption held a meeting in August 2024 to review Perović’s position. The council, as the governing body responsible for oversight of ASK, evaluated the legal decision and its implications for institutional integrity.

Following deliberations, the council unanimously decided to remove Perović from the position of director. The decision was based on the violation of legal obligations related to the subsidised housing case and the court’s determination of financial misconduct. Her removal marked the conclusion of her tenure as head of ASK and the resolution of her role in the case.

In related cases, in November 2024, the special state prosecutor’s office (SDT) filed an indictment against her, charging her with multiple counts of abuse of office and falsification of official documents. The charges allege that, as ASK director, Perović unlawfully approved salary increases and bonuses without proper authorisation, personally benefitting while causing financial damage to the state.