A Croatian Air Force pilot and his Serbian partner have been arrested on charges of espionage, allegedly leaking classified information related to Kosovo peacekeeping operations over a three-year period. The pilot, identified only as JI, and his girlfriend, AM, were detained on the island of Vis. The pilot denies the charges, claiming he is being framed and his partner is "collateral damage."
Key Takeaways
- A Croatian Air Force pilot and his Serbian partner are accused of espionage.
- The alleged espionage involved sharing classified information about Kosovo peacekeeping missions.
- The pilot claims innocence, stating he is being framed.
- The case has heightened tensions between Croatia and Serbia.
Allegations of Espionage
Prosecutors allege that the pilot, who had served on a KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, provided sensitive details about KFOR units and their movements in northern Kosovo, specifically in the Zubin Potok municipality, between 2022 and 2025. It is further alleged that AM then passed this information to authorities in Belgrade.
Pilot’s Defense and Background
The pilot has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting his innocence and suggesting he is being set up. Colleagues have described him as a "model professional," and Croatian Defence Ministry officials confirmed he had passed all necessary security clearances. Individuals close to AM have also refuted her involvement, stating she held no sympathy for the Belgrade government.
Diplomatic and Political Ramifications
The Serbian embassy in Croatia stated they had not been contacted by any authorities regarding the matter and that their information was solely derived from media reports. Members of the Croatian Parliament’s National Security Committee have labeled the allegations as serious, emphasizing the need for a thorough parliamentary review. Committee chairman Arsen Bauk stated, "This is a serious security problem. We’ll see what the investigation shows."
Regional Tensions
The arrests come amid heightened tensions between Croatia and Serbia. Belgrade has accused Croatian citizens of participating in recent protests in Serbia. Croatia, a member of NATO and the EU, recently signed a security cooperation declaration with Kosovo and Albania, a move that Belgrade criticized as fueling an "arms race."
