Authorities in Croatia have arrested a Croatian Air Force pilot, J.I., from Split, and his girlfriend, A.M., a sociologist from Mitrovica, Kosovo, on charges of espionage, following an investigation that revealed the couple allegedly passed sensitive information to the Serbian List political party and directly to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The couple was first detained on a Croatian island in late July during a joint summer vacation. While the pilot was initially released, A.M. was placed in the Transit Reception Center for Foreigners in Trilj and was scheduled to be expelled from Croatia for ten years. Subsequent forensic analysis of their mobile devices and communications uncovered messages and documents that implicated them in international espionage activities.
Espionage Allegations and KFOR Involvement
J.I., the pilot, previously served as part of HRVCON, Croatia’s contingent within KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo responsible for maintaining order and security. According to investigators, over the past three years, he allegedly shared confidential details about KFOR troop movements, operations, and strategic decisions with A.M., who then relayed this information to Serbian List officials and even to a journalist from a major international news agency.
The Serbian List, the dominant Serbian political party in Kosovo, is closely tied to the Serbian government and President Vučić. Investigators note that some of the intelligence reportedly pertained to sensitive locations in northern Kosovo, including Zubin Potok, a region of long-standing tension between local Serbs and Kosovo authorities.
Incidents Cited in Investigation
- Zubin Potok Explosion – November 2024:
An explosion destroyed part of the Ibar-Lepenac water canal, which supplies potable water to hundreds of thousands of residents in northern Kosovo and Prishtina’s two thermal plants. The blast was initially suspected by Kosovo authorities to be a terrorist attack orchestrated by Belgrade, which was strongly denied by Vučić’s government. The pilot allegedly provided intelligence on local conditions and responses that were passed on to Serbian political actors. - KFOR-Kosovo Security Coordination:
Following the canal incident, Kosovo authorities requested KFOR permission to deploy Kosovo Security Force troops to stabilize the area. KFOR initially refused due to operational protocols. The intelligence provided by the pilot reportedly included details about troop deployments and negotiations, giving the Serbian List insight into Kosovo’s security planning. - Dejan Pantić Arrest – December 2022:
Dejan Pantić, a former Kosovo police officer, was arrested for allegedly attacking the Central Election Commission in northern Kosovo. His arrest led to widespread road blockades by the Serbian community, escalating tensions. Investigators claim that the pilot transmitted sensitive information regarding the arrest and the subsequent handling of protests to his girlfriend, who then communicated it to Serbian political authorities.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Croatian law stipulates that anyone who unlawfully collects secret information with the intent of sharing it with a foreign state, organization, or individual working for them may face six months to five years in prison. The couple is reportedly facing four separate criminal charges related to espionage. The sensitive nature of the case has limited the release of additional details, but the authorities have confirmed the connection to both the Serbian List and Vučić.
Broader Implications
This case has raised concerns over the strategic vulnerability of northern Kosovo, the security of KFOR operations, and the potential for political influence by Serbia in the region. It underscores the delicate balance of peacekeeping operations and the ongoing risks of espionage involving personnel with access to sensitive military and governmental information.
Investigators continue to analyze communications and movements of both suspects to determine the full extent of the espionage network.
