Kosovo arrests MPB officials over illegal residence permits

Kosovo Police and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI) conducted a joint operation at the Directorate for Citizenship, Asylum and Migration (DShAM) offices, arresting four individuals on suspicion of abusing their official positions. The detainees include two officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs – one from the Foreign Division and one from the Civil Registration Agency – a foreign national, and an additional official linked to the same directorate.

Investigators allege that the officials illegally issued residence permits to foreign nationals in exchange for financial gain and falsified related documents. All three primary suspects were placed in detention for up to 48 hours, while the fourth person will face regular judicial proceedings. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla praised the operation and reaffirmed the government's zero‑tolerance stance on corruption and the misuse of public office.

The Public Prosecutor's Office has opened criminal cases for abuse of authority, illicit enrichment, document falsification and related offenses, and will consider additional security measures against the suspects.