After more than a year of investigations, the Special Prosecution of Kosovo has published the indictment regarding the terrorist attack on the Ibër–Lepenc canal.
A key element in the evidence that led to the arrest of brothers Jovan Vičintijević and Dragiša Vičintijević is the FBI’s forensic soil analysis, which directly links the suspects to the professionally planned operation through soil found under their boots.
Security analyst Avni Islami, in a statement for Telegrafi, described the Ibër–Lepenc attack as one of the most severe incidents since the Banjska aggression.
“It has been over a year since the indictment was finally filed against the three suspects involved in the terrorist attack on the Ibër–Lepenc canal. This act represents the most serious case after Banjska. During the investigation, the involvement of the FBI had already been announced by the U.S. Embassy,” Islami said.
Direct Links to Serbian Military Intelligence
Islami emphasized that the indictment reveals the direct involvement of one of the defendants affiliated with Serbian military intelligence services.
According to him, the method of execution, the professional withdrawal, and the attempt to leave no traces clearly indicate the work of a Serbian state-backed structure.
“The indictment states that more individuals participated in the operation. This clearly shows that the case was prepared by members of Serbian military intelligence. The planning and execution demonstrate a state-organized operation against Kosovo,” Islami added.
FBI’s Role Strengthened the Case’s Credibility
A crucial factor in this investigation, Islami noted, was the cooperation between the Special Prosecution, the Kosovo Police units, forensic teams, and the FBI.
Special Prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu coordinated all investigative actions, ensuring high professional standards.
According to Islami, the involvement of the FBI made the indictment unquestionable at the international level:
“Because the FBI was involved in gathering and analysing evidence, the legal process now carries strong international credibility. Had the case relied solely on local evidence, parts of the international community might have cast doubt. Today, there is no reaction — because the FBI participated, making every piece of evidence indisputable,” Islami stressed.
Indictment Filed – Trial Phase Awaits
With the indictment now filed, the next stage is the judicial process. Regardless of the strength of the evidence, Islami says it is up to the court to issue the final ruling:
“We must await the final decision. However, the evidence collected — especially that confirmed by the FBI — makes this case exceptionally strong from a legal standpoint.”
Details of the Indictment
The Special Prosecution has indicted Jovan Vičintijević, Dragiša Vičintijević, and Igor Dimović for the explosive attack carried out on 29 November 2024.
According to the indictment:
- The Vičintijević brothers placed a bag of explosives that destroyed part of the Ibër–Lepenc canal.
- Soil samples were taken from their boots upon arrest.
- Comparative samples were collected from their yard and from the blast site.
- The FBI confirmed that the soil found in their boots matched the soil from the explosion site, proving their presence during the attack.
This forensic confirmation by an international institution — specifically the FBI — is highlighted as decisive and legally binding.
