IPK seeks suspension of five police officers over two cases in Pristina and Gjilan

The Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (IPK) has recommended suspending five police officers over two separate cases in Pristina and Gjilan. The allegations involve sexual harassment, unlawful search, and abuse of official position or authority.

Three of the officers work at the South Police Station in Pristina. IPK has called for their suspension on suspicion of the criminal offenses of sexual harassment and unlawful search.

The incident allegedly occurred after midnight on October 15 near the roundabout in Pristina’s Lakërishte neighborhood, according to IPK. The complainant says she was driving when the officers stopped and searched her. She says they then told her to continue toward the village of Çagllavicë for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts.

On the instructions of a prosecutor from the Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina, criminal proceedings have been initiated over the suspected offenses. IPK said it would continue investigating in coordination with the State Prosecution to verify the allegations and fully clarify the circumstances.

The other case involves two officers from the Police Station in Gjilan. IPK has recommended their suspension on suspicion of abuse of official position or authority.

Initial investigative findings indicate that the incident allegedly occurred in Gjilan on October 15, 2026, at around 11:00 p.m. According to the allegations, the officers stopped a citizen and put him in an official vehicle, where they verbally abused him and violated his privacy. They are also suspected of taking his phone without an order from the State Prosecutor.

IPK said these initial suspicions may be connected to a complaint the same citizen filed against the officers in July 2026, alleging mistreatment and that they had exceeded their police authority.

The inspectorate emphasized that, in accordance with its legal mandate, it will continue investigating suspicions of unlawful conduct by police officers, with the aim of ensuring accountability and strengthening integrity within the Kosovo Police.

The suspension recommendations are part of the investigative procedures and do not constitute a final determination of the suspected officers’ criminal responsibility.