A large-scale operation by the Kosovo Police, in cooperation with the Special Prosecution Office, was carried out today at several locations in the municipality of Zubin Potok as part of an investigation into suspected war crimes against the civilian population.
The operation, codenamed “Case File 23,” has so far resulted in the confirmed arrest of nine individuals suspected of involvement in the criminal offense of “War Crimes against the Civilian Population.”
According to a joint statement issued by the Special Prosecution Office and the Kosovo Police, the arrested individuals are Milan Đurić, Radisav Rašković, Petar Utvić, Dragan Đurić, Vukadin Lepović, Jovica Mutavdžić, Svetislav Đukić, Miroslav Radojević, and Miloš Rašković.
All nine individuals have been detained for 48 hours by order of the Special Prosecution Office, while investigations into the case are ongoing.
What Was Found During the Searches?
As part of the operation, several locations in Zubin Potok were searched. During the searches, the Kosovo Police seized a number of items and materials believed to be potentially relevant to the investigation.
According to the authorities, the seized items include:
- 9 mobile phones;
- 2 military identification booklets;
- 1 long-barreled firearm;
- 1 hunting rifle;
- 7.65 mm ammunition;
- ammunition for a hunting rifle;
- 4 shells;
- approximately €23,000 in cash;
- approximately 60,000 Serbian dinars;
- as well as other evidence that may assist in documenting the case.
Investigation into War Crimes
The operation was conducted by units responsible for investigating war crimes, with authorization from the Special Prosecution Office and on the basis of search warrants issued by the Basic Court in Pristina – Special Department.
The authorities have not disclosed all the details concerning the specific acts of which the arrested individuals are suspected. The investigation is expected to establish the role of each individual and the full circumstances of the case.
Earlier, sources from Gazeta Sinjali had reported that the operation was linked to broader investigations into the killing of civilians during the war in Kosovo and that several individuals suspected of involvement in these events were being targeted.
According to information obtained earlier, the investigation is also linked to the case known as the “Group of Intellectuals,” while the operation comes at a time when authorities have intensified investigations into crimes committed against civilians during the war.
However, the official statement issued following the operation did not provide further details regarding this aspect of the investigation.
The Special Prosecution Office and the Kosovo Police have stated that they remain committed to uncovering war crimes and bringing those responsible to justice.
The investigation into “Case File 23” is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge during the subsequent proceedings regarding the allegations, the evidence collected, and the roles of the individuals arrested.
