started · updated
Serbian prosecutor targeted by spyware amid Trump Tower investigation
Rade Bajić, a senior prosecutor in Serbia's Public Prosecutor's Office for Organised Crime, was targeted by advanced mercenary spyware, according to researchers from Citizen Lab. Bajić received alerts from Apple in August 2026 indicating his iPhone was likely the subject of a targeted attack using commercial spyware, such as Pegasus.
Bajić believes the attack is directly linked to his involvement in a corruption investigation regarding a proposed $500 million development project in Belgrade. The project, which included a Trump Tower, allegedly involved efforts by Serbian authorities to remove the protected monument status of the General Staff building to facilitate construction. The project was eventually abandoned by Jared Kushner.
While Citizen Lab identified high-confidence indicators of a targeted attack, researchers have not yet confirmed a successful infection or identified the party responsible for the surveillance. There is currently no confirmed public evidence linking the suspected targeting to the Serbian government or President Aleksandar Vučić.
Entities
Aleksandar Vučić · Belgrade · Citizen Lab · Donald Trump · NSO Group · Rade Bajić · Trump Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rade Bajić received an Apple notification in August 2026 regarding a targeted spyware attack on his iPhone. adevarul.ro · observador.pt · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Trump Tower project was abandoned after prosecutors filed charges against Serbian officials. adevarul.ro · observador.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers have not yet identified the party responsible for the suspected spyware attack. adevarul.ro · observador.pt · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Aleksandar Vučić allegedly ordered the removal of legal protection for the General Staff building to allow for the development. adevarul.ro · observador.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] Citizen Lab identified indicators that the spyware used may be commercial software like Pegasus. adevarul.ro · observador.pt · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bajić was investigating an alleged illegal scheme to facilitate a $500 million Trump Tower project in Belgrade. adevarul.ro · observador.pt · www.ibtimes.co.uk