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University of Belgrade Rector targeted by Pegasus spyware
Research from Citizen Lab and the SHARE Foundation has confirmed that Vladan Đokić, the Rector of the University of Belgrade, was targeted with Pegasus spyware. Forensic analysis indicates his iPhone was infected in 2026 using a ‘zero-click’ exploit, which requires no user interaction to compromise a device.
In a separate case, Rade Bajić, a senior prosecutorial associate at the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, also received high-confidence threat notifications from Apple indicating he was targeted by mercenary spyware. Bajić had been involved in investigations regarding official corruption related to the Generalštab building project.
The findings come amid a period of political tension in Serbia, shortly before parliamentary elections. Both men are noted for their support of student-led anti-corruption protests and have faced pressure from the ruling authorities. Investigators noted that the targeting of judicial and academic figures threatens institutional independence and academic autonomy.
Entities
Citizen Lab · NSO Group · Rade Bajić · University of Belgrade · Vladan Đokić
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Rade Bajić received Apple threat notifications regarding mercenary spyware. serbiantimes.info · savremenapolitika.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.devdiscourse.com · nova.rs · +3 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] At least 14 people in Serbia were targeted by advanced spyware earlier in 2026. savremenapolitika.com · www.ad-hoc-news.de · nova.rs
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Pegasus infection used a zero-click exploit. serbiantimes.info · www.it-boltwise.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.portalanalitika.me · balkaninsight.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The Pegasus spyware was developed by the Israeli company NSO Group. serbiantimes.info · savremenapolitika.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.devdiscourse.com · +4 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Serbian Interior Ministry has previously dismissed allegations of cyberespionage. www.devdiscourse.com · www.al-monitor.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] Vladan Đokić's iPhone was infected with Pegasus spyware in 2026. serbiantimes.info · savremenapolitika.com · www.it-boltwise.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.devdiscourse.com · +4 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Vladan Đokić is a prominent figure in the Serbian pro-democracy movement. serbiantimes.info · savremenapolitika.com · nova.rs · www.portalanalitika.me
- [● 4 SOURCES] Rade Bajić investigated corruption related to the Generalštab building project. savremenapolitika.com · www.portalanalitika.me · www.al-monitor.com · balkaninsight.com