In recent years, both Albanians and Serbs have been arrested in Kosovo on suspicions of spying for Serbia’s intelligence services, particularly the BIA (Security Intelligence Agency). The most recent arrest, on 6 May, involves a Kosovo Albanian suspected of espionage—for a mere 700 euros. As these incidents increase, security experts warn that Serbian intelligence has deep-rooted networks throughout Kosovo.
Heightened Surveillance and Security Efforts
Kosovo’s institutions have intensified their actions against suspected espionage, with police and the Special Prosecution Office conducting operations to protect national security.
Notable cases include:
- 7 May 2025: Hysri Selimi, a former ISIS fighter, was arrested for allegedly collaborating with BIA by supplying data on radicalized individuals, political figures, and security structures.
- June 2024: Bedri Shabani and Muharrem Qerimi were arrested for long-term espionage. Qerimi allegedly disclosed UÇK-related information, as well as intel on Kosovo Police, AKI, and Special Court witnesses.
- February 2025: A Serbian OSCE employee in North Mitrovica was detained under suspicion of sharing sensitive information with Serbian intelligence.
- April 2025: Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla reported the arrest of 16 individuals, including four suspected BIA agents. Many were later released due to lack of evidence.
Expert Warnings and Regional Implications
Security analyst Burim Ramadani stated that these cases confirm Serbia’s ongoing covert campaign to undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty:
“BIA remains deeply committed to destabilizing Kosovo—making it unlivable, politically unstable, and fostering internal divisions,” he warned.
Despite denials by Serbian intelligence agencies, local and international watchdogs repeatedly raise alarms about parallel Serbian structures operating to destabilize the country from within.
Kosovo’s vulnerability to espionage—from both internal collaborators and foreign actors—demands vigilance, institutional resilience, and a renewed security strategy to safeguard its sovereignty.
