Kavach clan trial: evidence proceedings concluded after three years, 14 accused
At Ljubljana District Court, evidence proceedings in the Kavach clan case concluded after more than three years. Prosecutor Levašič presented hundreds of thousands of messages regarding drug trafficking, murders and weapons purchases.
Kavach clan enters final phase: prosecutor reveals hundreds of thousands of encrypted messages
At Ljubljana District Court, evidence proceedings in the Kavach clan case concluded after more than three years, reports 24ur. In a lengthy closing statement supported by a PowerPoint presentation with 310 slides, Prosecutor Jože Levašič detailed the contents of encrypted Sky communications exchanged by alleged members of the Slovenian cell of the clan.
From seized messages, it emerges that the accused exchanged several hundred thousand messages concerning trade in prohibited drugs, customers, distribution of proceeds, drug transfers across Europe and its transport from South America. The communications also included plans to liquidate protected witness Darko Nevzatović, the murder of Danijel Božić and an attempted murder of Žarko Tešanović in Anakaran, as well as weapons purchases. Photographs of drugs, money, couriers and weapons were attached.
Levašič described the trial as "unique" and "probably also unrepeatable" — both because of the investigation into the top of the criminal organisation and because Sky communications were seized in a separate procedure abroad. "The fundamental principle for the prosecution is always truth and lawfulness," the prosecutor emphasised. According to him, the court proceedings revealed an extensive criminal plan and its rapid execution across much of Europe, which required international cooperation among law enforcement bodies.
Protected witness and secret police collaborator
A central role among the evidence is played by the testimony of protected witness Darko Nevzatović, who was initially a member of the Kavach clan but became a secret police collaborator in 2020. Levašič emphasised that Nevzatović decided to cooperate voluntarily, motivated by personal distress. "His endangerment was real, and his life was in serious danger after disclosure," said the prosecutor. The prosecution's case is built on three pillars: Nevzatović's testimony, Sky encrypted communications and secret surveillance.
Levašič did not conclude his closing statement today — he is expected to continue it next Wednesday. The defence lawyers for the accused are expected to present their closing statements then.
Motion for detention and rejected evidence proposals
During today's hearing, the prosecutor filed a motion with the court for detention orders for accused Klemen Kadivec, Blaž Kadivec and Drej Kovač. The judicial panel simultaneously rejected defence proposals to hear prosecutor Mateja Gončin, reformed offender Alen Bajc and certain other witnesses.
The panel also rejected new evidence proposals from brothers Blaž and Klemen Kadivec. They again proposed exclusion of all evidence from Sky communications, arguing that they did not have the opportunity to effectively explain themselves regarding this evidence in the proceedings. They also proposed that the court suspend proceedings and refer to the EU Court to clarify outstanding questions.
Fourteen accused, criminal offences in multiple countries
Evidence proceedings against alleged leader of the Slovenian Kavach clan cell Klemen Kadivec, his brother Blaž and twelve other accused are thus entering their final phase. The prosecution alleges that between 2018 and 2021, as part of a hierarchically organised criminal association, they engaged in large-scale trafficking in prohibited drugs across multiple European countries.
Source: 24ur