Montenegrin Ministry of Interior (MUP) has rejected the request for the citizenship of Montenegro received from Naser Keljmendi, a controversial Kosovo businessman, the Podgorica-based daily Vijesti reported.

Keljmendi applied for Montenegrin passport in July this year.

The National Security Agency gave an unfavorable opinion of Keljmendi and his request, Vijesti learned from a MUP's source unofficially.

Keljmendi owns a hotel Casa Grande in Ulcinj, Montenegro. He holds the citizenship of Bosnia-Herzegovina and lives in Sarajevo.

Montenegrin and regional newspapers have classified Keljmendi as a criminal and drug gang leader for years, which he denied. The papers wrote that all police services from the region and beyond are pursuing the investigation into his illegal affairs.