Miljan Hofman Held as Authorities Investigate Alleged Extortion Threats

Miljan Hofman Held as Authorities Investigate Alleged Extortion Threats
Miljan Vidović, known as Miljan Hofman, was arrested in Belgrade on suspicion of attempting to extort money from a businessman. He was detained while having breakfast outside a fast-food restaurant on Bulevar kralja Aleksandra, in an operation carried out on the order of the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office and with UKP police involvement.

The case concerns an alleged incident on November 6 at the Galerija shopping center. According to the criminal complaint, Vidović threatened to attack the businessman, his family and their property unless they agreed to make regular monthly payments. Prosecutors said the allegations were being investigated as attempted extortion.

Vidović was questioned by prosecutors the following morning and, according to media reports, briefly denied the charges. The prosecution then asked the court to order detention, citing concerns that he could influence witnesses or repeat the alleged offense.

The First Basic Court in Belgrade subsequently ordered up to 30 days of pre-trial detention. The court said the measure was intended to prevent interference with witnesses and reduce the risk of another crime; the decision can be appealed within three days.

Additional media accounts, citing unofficial information, said Vidović allegedly claimed to represent the so-called Vračar clan and demanded payments in exchange for protection and business advantages. Those reports also described alleged threats against the businessman’s restaurants, hotels and family, but the details have not been established in court.

The investigation remains ongoing. Prosecutors said they would take further evidentiary steps before deciding how to proceed, while the presumption of innocence applies to Vidović unless a court finds him guilty.