Kosovo authorities conduct raids targeting drug trafficking networks on September 24, 2025. Photo: Kosovo Special Prosecution
Kosovo authorities arrested seven individuals in a raid targeting two major drug trafficking networks that allegedly used the encrypted messaging app Sky ECC to coordinate heroin and cocaine smuggling.
In a large-scale police operation early on Wednesday morning, Kosovo authorities targeted two major drug trafficking networks across 25 locations in the Prishtina and Peja regions, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and significant assets.
The coordinated action, codenamed “Broken Sky,” was conducted under the direction of the Special Prosecution of Kosovo and ordered by the Basic Court in Prishtina.
The Kosovo Police and the Special Prosecution released a joint statement: “The suspects are under investigation for participation in an organised criminal group, unauthorised possession and distribution of narcotics, and money laundering.”
Authorities believe the suspects used SkyECC, an encrypted communication app often linked to organised crime, to coordinate their criminal activities.
During the operation, law enforcement seized: 638 grams of suspected cocaine, 11,065 euros in cash, 34 vehicles, 7 firearms, 1 digital scale for measuring narcotics, forged identity documents, electronic devices, and various property and financial records.
The statement further states that the operation “was supported through close international cooperation, including intelligence sharing, with authorities in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, as well as EUROPOL.”
Wednesday’s raids are a continuation of a broader crackdown which started earlier this year. In June, 22 people were arrested in the initial phase of Operation “Broken Sky,” following a months-long investigation.
According to the Special Prosecution, the first wave of arrests revealed a transnational drug trafficking route, involving shipments of narcotics ordered from Iran, Turkey, and Ecuador, and smuggled via maritime channels.
During 2024–2025, the Special Prosecution received several transcripts of ‘SkyECC’ wiretaps from France, EUROPOL, and also from Belgium because of Kosovo’s cooperation with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation – EUROPOL.
During the decryption of the data on this application, it was also requested that Kosovo be included in the investigation.
24 September 2025 - 17:16
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