The Kosovo Special Prosecution has confirmed to RTK that it has sent an official request to Croatian authorities to obtain evidence regarding the arrest of a Kosovo Serbian citizen, against whom, along with her partner, the Split District Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation for espionage.
The Special Prosecution stated that it is in continuous contact with the relevant authorities and will undertake all necessary legal actions in accordance with international judicial cooperation agreements.
“Regarding the arrest of a Kosovo citizen in Croatia, the Special Prosecution informs that it is in contact with the competent authorities. We have already submitted an official request for evidence in line with international legal cooperation agreements. The Special Prosecution will take all necessary legal measures regarding this matter,” officials told RTK.
Following the arrest of Ana Murganiq from North Mitrovica and her partner, a Croatian pilot and KFOR member, Croatian authorities decided on 30 days of pre-trial detention. They were arrested under suspicion of transmitting sensitive information to the Serbian List regarding developments in northern Kosovo.
According to Croatian media, the scandal is broader: beyond messages containing KFOR confidential data, other classified information is implicated. Večernji list reported that Murganiq previously worked with EULEX and UNMIK, and is suspected of being infiltrated by Serbian intelligence services to influence trials against former KLA leaders.
Initially, the Croatian prosecution justified the detention of the Croatian national due to the risk of witness tampering and reoffending, while the Serbian citizen faced detention due to the risk of flight, influence, and potential reoffending.
The Split District Court confirmed that the investigation is secret, citing procedural confidentiality. Neven Cambj, spokesperson for the court, stated:
“Under the law and the nature of these procedures, the investigation is secret. Punishments for espionage for which the Croatian citizen is accused range from 1 to 10 years, while other charges carry sentences of six months to five years.”
Defense attorney Doris Koshta said that both suspects have pleaded not guilty and filed an appeal:
“They actively defended themselves. Each defendant denies committing the crime. I have already filed an appeal,” Koshta stated.
Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Croatia released a statement emphasizing that President Zoran Milanović was informed of the developments and fully supported the work of institutions investigating potential crimes:
“The President of the Republic was informed in a timely manner about the actions of competent institutions and expects an effective investigation to establish all relevant facts. Every member of the Armed Forces must perform their duties with honesty and legality, and any violations must be appropriately sanctioned.”
Večernji list reported that the couple had previously been arrested and released, but were detained again after new compromising messages emerged. Murganiq allegedly transmitted sensitive information to leaders of the Serbian List, a party closely linked to the Serbian government.
Phone analysis revealed that part of this data was also sent to a journalist at an international news agency. Through WhatsApp, they exchanged confidential details about KFOR movements and plans in northern Kosovo, information reportedly of particular interest to Serbian authorities. The Croatian pilot also informed his partner about developments in the case of Dejan Pantić, previously arrested by Kosovo authorities.
EULEX stated in writing to RTK that the mission is currently not in a position to comment on the case. The Kosovo prosecution did not respond during the day on whether it will cooperate with Croatian authorities or pursue any investigative leads within Kosovo.
