Milan Ostojić Sandokan wurde erschossen

On Thursday evening, July 9, 2026, Milan Ostojić, known in Serbian criminal circles as Sandokan, was shot multiple times in Šapca, a town located in central Serbia. The incident occurred around 10:00 PM local time following a dispute outside a restaurant. According to reports from several local media outlets, including Večernji list, Net.hr, and tportal, the shooting took place near a shopping center, where Ostojić had been engaged in a disagreement. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency services rushing to the location shortly after the shots were fired.

The victim, identified as Milan Ostojić, is a former leader of the so-called “Šabac group,” which was implicated in numerous serious crimes between 2007 and 2010. This group was accused of being responsible for five murders and drug trafficking operations across parts of Serbia. Ostojić himself faced charges related to inciting the murder of Siniša Kromek, a criminal who had previously injured one of the group’s members, Strahinja Rašet. As a result, he was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, his sentence was later reduced on appeal to 10 years, and he was released from custody in 2018. At that time, he was also cleared of charges related to organized crime and drug dealing.

Following the shooting, emergency medical personnel transported Ostojić to a hospital in Šapca, where he received initial treatment before being transferred to a larger facility in Belgrade. His condition remains unknown at this stage, though there have been no official statements regarding the severity of his injuries. In response to the incident, police forces were deployed throughout the area, and the town was placed under a state of heightened alert. Emergency sirens were activated, indicating the level of urgency surrounding the situation.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, but according to accounts from local media, the confrontation began inside a restaurant, where Ostojić was reportedly involved in a heated argument. It is believed that the altercation escalated quickly, resulting in gunfire. While the exact cause of the conflict has not been officially confirmed, some sources suggest that the dispute may have been personal in nature, involving individuals connected to Ostojić's past activities.

Ostojić's name has become synonymous with organized crime in Serbia, particularly due to his leadership role within the Šabac group. The group, active primarily during the early 2000s, was known for its involvement in violent crimes and illicit drug trade. Although Ostojić was eventually freed from prison, his history continues to cast a shadow over his current actions. Some media outlets have even linked him to the so-called “Ćacilend” – a term used to describe a gathering of supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić in the Pionirski Park in Belgrade. These gatherings, often associated with political activism, have occasionally led to clashes with authorities, especially during periods of social unrest.

As the investigation into the shooting unfolds, law enforcement agencies are working to determine the full extent of the incident and identify any potential suspects. Given the high-profile nature of the case, public interest remains intense, with many hoping for clarity on both the motive behind the attack and the identity of the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Ostojić's family and legal representatives have yet to make public comments, leaving the community to speculate about the future course of events.