Espionage Undermines Kosovo’s Security Amid Rising Serbian Intelligence Threats

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RKS NEWS 3 Min Read
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Prishtina, July 24, 2025 —
Kosovo’s national security is under increasing strain following a series of espionage cases allegedly linked to Serbian intelligence services. The recent arrest of another ethnic Serb police officer in Kosovo has raised serious concerns about the extent of the threat and the readiness of Kosovo’s institutions to counter foreign infiltration.

Acting Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, confirmed that Bojan Jevtić is the sixth person arrested in connection with espionage cases in Kosovo. Although Sveçla did not disclose a specific timeline, these arrests are part of a growing pattern.

Earlier this year, Jelena Đukanović, also an ethnic Serb from Kosovo, was detained on espionage charges. In June 2024, Bedri Shabani and Muharrem Qerimi were arrested under suspicion of providing information to Serbia’s Intelligence Agency (BIA).

Is Kosovo Facing a Serbian Intelligence Offensive?

During a press briefing on July 22, Kosovo Police Director Gazmend Hoxha stated that while the overall security situation in the country remains calm, Kosovo is well aware of Serbia’s political intentions.

“We know the goals of Serbia’s institutions. They have never supported peace or security in Kosovo. We are fully prepared to respond to any threats,” Hoxha said.

Kosovo Leaders Sound the Alarm

Kosovo’s leadership has grown increasingly vocal in recent weeks, labeling Serbia as a persistent source of instability. On July 15, President Vjosa Osmani accused Serbia of attempting to destabilize Kosovo through what she described as “acts of aggression.”

Prime Minister Albin Kurti, responding to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s threats after the arrest of Serbian official Igor Popović, called the rhetoric “provocative and dangerous.” Popović, deputy director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, was remanded in custody on charges of inciting hatred and intolerance.

Kurti also urged Kosovo citizens to avoid transiting through Serbia, warning of “arbitrary arrests and provocations.”

Echoes of Banjskë: A Warning from the Past

These developments follow the deadly September 2023 attack in Banjskë, where a group of armed Serbs led by Milan Radoičić killed a Kosovo police officer. The Kosovo government declared it a terrorist act coordinated by Serbia — a claim Serbia denies.

According to Kosovo’s National Security Strategy (2022–2027), Serbia is identified as the principal external threat to the country’s stability.

That threat perception was echoed this month by a Croatian intelligence report, which warned of the potential for renewed tensions in northern Kosovo.

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