Operation in Pristina results in the dismantling of an underground casino network
In a significant development, Kosovo authorities have recently launched a large-scale anti-crime operation targeting both espionage within the police force and illegal gambling activities in Pristina.
**Espionage Operation**
The operation, led by the Special Prosecutor's Office of Kosovo in collaboration with the Kosovo Police Inspectorate and Kosovo Intelligence Agency, targeted a Kosovo police officer suspected of espionage activities in favour of Serbian intelligence services. A high-ranking officer, identified by the initials B.J., was arrested near the Bela Zemlja border crossing.
Simultaneous raids were carried out at the officerβs office and residence, uncovering substantial evidence, including 2 million Serbian dinars, β¬10,000 in cash, and an unlicensed firearm. This arrest marks the sixth related to espionage activities in the past year, with at least one previous suspect confessing to cooperating with Serbiaβs Security and Intelligence Agency, indicating attempts to destabilize Kosovo.
**Anti-Gambling Operation**
Concurrently, a large-scale police operation against illegal gambling has been underway in the Pristina region since April 25, 2025. During the operation, 91 bars and other venues were monitored, with 15 bars closed due to lack of proper documentation or licensing.
Authorities arrested 34 people, with eight taken into custody. Important contraband was seized, including 18 gambling machines, weapons (including AK-47 automatic weapons and one short weapon), laboratory equipment for narcotics, β¬5,544 cash, laptops, ticket printers and scanners, and mobile phones suspected of facilitating illegal online gambling payments.
**Public Reaction and Implications**
The large-scale espionage arrests have drawn significant media attention in Pristina, highlighting ongoing concerns about internal security and foreign interference, particularly from Serbia. The disclosed evidence and arrests emphasize Kosovo's commitment to tackling organized crime and espionage from within key institutions like the police.
The closure of numerous gambling venues and arrests related to illegal gambling signal active enforcement against illegal economic activities in Pristina, aiming to curb criminal networks exploiting these schemes.
In summary, Kosovo authorities have conducted comprehensive anti-crime operations targeting both espionage within the police force and illegal gambling activities in Pristina, leading to multiple arrests, seizures of contraband, and closure of establishments, with the overall public narrative focusing on enhancing national security and law enforcement integrity.
General News: What about the gambling-trends in Pristina, following the anti-gambling operation? Are there any changes being reported in the city?
Crime and Justice: Considering the recent casino-games-related arrests, could it be indicative of a shift in gambling-trends towards illegal activities in Kosovo?
Casino-and-Gambling: In light of the Kosovo authorities' crackdown on casino-games and gambling, have there been any updates on the general sentiment amongst casino owners or patrons in the region?
