Indictment over “Leptir” plan: Sheholli suspected of being used by BIA to target Kurti and influence elections

The Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo has filed an indictment against Fatmir Sheholli, who is accused of “Espionage” and “Blackmail.”

The indictment alleges that Sheholli was recruited by Serbia’s Intelligence Agency – BIA and received instructions from Bojan Dimiq, a senior official of the service.

According to the Prosecution, the operation was codenamed “Leptir” and aimed to damage the political image of Albin Kurti, as well as influence the local elections of 12 October 2025.

From an as-yet-unspecified time until 9 October 2025, Sheholli allegedly collected, obtained and transmitted by telephone communications data and documents related to political activity, the security situation and the functioning of Kosovo’s institutions.

The prosecution alleges that he followed an operational plan drawn up by the BIA official, with the aim of harming the interests of the Republic of Kosovo, compromising its institutions and representatives, and directly influencing the electoral process.

The indictment also describes an alleged meeting on 29 September 2025, at around 2:00 p.m. Sheholli, together with a family member, had travelled in an “Audi” vehicle towards North Mitrovica. In the parking lot of the Technical School, near a café, he allegedly received from an as-yet-unidentified person audio materials and transcripts of conversations involving several senior officials of the Ministry for Communities and Return.

The Prosecution says the materials had been prepared with the aim of compromising officials of the ministry. Sheholli allegedly received five thousand euros for this service.

Later, according to the case file, the materials were handed over to journalist Milaim Zeka, along with one thousand euros and specific instructions on when and how to publish them, several days before the local elections.

Contacted by “Betimi për Drejtësi,” Zeka said he had heard the allegations for the first time. He stated that the same materials had also been offered to other journalists and that the one thousand euros had been given for their translation.

According to the Prosecution’s assessment, the actions described in the indictment harmed the state’s interests, aimed to discredit institutions and contributed to deepening social divisions, creating an opportunity for a foreign intelligence service to interfere in Kosovo’s elections.

For these allegations, Sheholli is charged with the criminal offense of “Espionage.”

Regarding the charge of blackmail, the Prosecution alleges that Sheholli, during the period from 2022 until December 2025, including while he was in pretrial detention, threatened a business owner identified by the initials A.J.

According to the indictment, he demanded money from this person, presenting it as a loan, and warned that failure to pay would be followed by the publication of videos and information that could seriously damage his honor, reputation and authority.

The alleged damage amounts to more than 13 thousand euros. The case file states that, even while in pretrial detention, Sheholli had conveyed through a family member a request for 700 euros to be paid every month.

Fearing that the materials would be made public, the injured party allegedly gave 500 euros to Sheholli’s family member on one occasion.

The Prosecution has requested that the defendant’s pretrial detention be extended and that, after the conclusion of the court proceedings, the seized items and property be confiscated, including 3,185 euros.

Among the proposed witnesses are Minister Nenad Rashiq and journalist Milaim Zeka. Following the submission of the indictment to the Basic Court in Pristina, the initial hearing is expected to be scheduled.