More than a year after an explosive device severely damaged the Ibar–Lepenac canal in Zubin Potok, Kosovo’s Special Prosecution has filed an indictment against three individuals accused of carrying out the attack. One of the defendants was allegedly recruited as a colonel in Serbia’s Military Intelligence Service. According to the indictment, around 20 kilograms of TNT were planted and detonated inside the canal.
The indictment charges the individuals identified by the initials J.V., D.V. and I.D. with four criminal offenses: “Endangering the constitutional order by destroying or damaging public facilities and equipment,” “Committing a terrorist act,” “Unauthorized possession of weapons,” and “Espionage.”
According to the prosecution, on 29 November 2024, J.V. and D.V., acting in coordination with several unidentified individuals, placed the explosive device inside the Ibar–Lepenac canal near the village of Varage, in the municipality of Zubin Potok.
“On 29 November 2024, in the village of Varage, Zubin Potok municipality, on the Ibar–Lepenac canal, the defendants J.V. and D.V., together with several unknown persons, after prior agreement, placed around 20 kilograms of TNT inside the canal,” the indictment states.
The two men then allegedly activated the explosive using a bag tied with rope to a concrete pillar.
“This resulted in severe damage to the concrete structure of the Ibar–Lepenac canal, interruption of drinking water supply, and disruption of electricity production,” the indictment reads.
The prosecution also claims that the explosion caused material damage to the public enterprise “Ibar Lepenac” amounting to €376,774.70.
According to the indictment, through these acts, J.V. and D.V. committed the offense of “Endangering the constitutional order by destroying or damaging public facilities,” in connection with “Committing a terrorist act.”
The two are additionally charged with unauthorized possession of weapons together with the third defendant, I.D.
J.V. alone is charged with espionage. The indictment states that he allegedly acted as a recruited colonel of Serbia’s Military Intelligence Service, assisting the agency by gathering information and confidential documents for use in “unlawful activities on the territory of Kosovo.”
The indictment was filed following an investigation by the Kosovo Police, conducted with the support of European partners, the prosecution said.
The attack occurred on 29 November 2024, severely damaging the canal and leaving parts of northern Kosovo, and other regions, without stable water and electricity supply for days.
One week after the incident, authorities built a temporary bypass to redirect water while repairs were underway. The damaged section of the canal was restored and put back into operation in mid-January.
Kosovo authorities labeled the incident a terrorist attack on the same day it occurred, accusing Belgrade of involvement—claims that Serbia has repeatedly denied.
Although ten people, mostly from Zubin Potok, were initially arrested, only two—D.V., apprehended on the day of the explosion, and J.V., arrested the following day—remained in detention.
Police said that during the search of J.V.’s home, they found hunting weapons, hand grenades, automatic rifle ammunition, military uniforms, and other equipment.
The individuals in question are ethnic Serbs. In their initial statements, they denied involvement, while their lawyers argued that the prosecution lacks evidence linking them to the sabotage.
Despite the ongoing investigation and the absence of charges for a full year, Kosovo officials consistently insisted that Belgrade was behind the attack. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti again accused Serbia this year of “using Moscow’s methods.”
Serbia has repeatedly rejected any involvement.
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