Barcelona police are investigating a fatal shooting in Zona Franca, after a man was shot dead on Sunday evening in Calle Mineria, in the Marina area of Sants-Montjuïc. The incident happened at about 21:00 and is being treated as a possible case of score-settling linked to Montenegrin organised crime.
The Mossos d'Esquadra homicide unit is leading the case, with support from the central unit for transnational criminal organisations. Investigators are waiting for fingerprint confirmation from Montenegro and Serbia through Interpol's office in Spain. Police believe the victim may belong to one of two Montenegrin clans, Kavac or Skaljari, which have been in conflict across Europe for several years.
Raquel Gil, the district councillor for Sants-Montjuïc, said the shooting was linked to international organised crime, not to the neighbourhood itself. She asked residents to stay calm. People in Marina had already protested last Thursday for more security, and another demonstration is planned for this Thursday, with calls for respect and more action from the authorities.
The case adds to a series of violent incidents in Catalonia linked to the same feud. Previous victims named in reports include Filip Knezevic, killed in Calle Consell de Cent in Barcelona, Millan Milic, killed in Castelldefels, and Krsto Vujic, killed on Paseo Taulat. Predrag Vujosevic was shot and wounded in Calle Urgell, Barcelona, and another person was injured in Lloret de Mar in May.
Authorities say they are looking at ways to increase police presence in the Marina area, including Calle Mineria, but any immediate reinforcement is delayed because of the security operation for Pope Leo XIV's visit to Barcelona. He is due to leave for the Canary Islands on Thursday. For more on the local response, see our community coverage and sport updates from across the city.
The Mossos will continue working with international partners to identify the victim and find those responsible. Officials say they want to stop this kind of violence becoming normal in Barcelona, while residents wait for clearer action on safety in the area.
Originally published by La Vanguardia Barcelona. Read original article. Mossos d'Esquadra
