The political turmoil in Serbia is escalating. Prime Minister Miloš Vučević announced his resignation on Tuesday, yet this move is unlikely to quell the protest movement. The opposition has long been advocating for profound reforms and is aiming for the overthrow of the government aligned with Russia, according to Fabijan Eberhard, editor-in-chief of the Swiss Sunday edition of Blik.

President Aleksandar Vučić clings to his position, employing highly questionable tactics. In late 2024, human rights organization Amnesty International and investigative network BIRN revealed the government’s surveillance of activists and journalists. Forensic examinations indicated that Serbian authorities illicitly installed spyware on numerous devices belonging to regime opponents, enabling access to photos, text messages, and even cameras and microphones.

However, Serbia’s Ministry of Interior and intelligence services have dismissed these allegations, labeling them as “nonsense” and “inaccurate.”

Spy Technology Valued at Two Million Francs

Research now indicates that the Serbian government also utilized Swiss technology for its surveillance activities. In 2023, Swiss authorities authorized the shipment of IMSI catchers to Belgrade at a cost nearing two million francs. These advanced tools facilitate the tracking, eavesdropping, and monitoring of mobile phones. They can extract the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) from a SIM card and pinpoint its location within a specific mobile network cell, typically employed in crime prevention.

The Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) verified the delivery. Spokesman Fabian Mayenfisch stated that the surveillance apparatus was sent to governmental institutions in Serbia. Though he did not specify which ones, it is presumed to be the Interior Ministry or the BIA intelligence service. The Swiss company responsible for the contract remains unidentified.

Blik notes that selling Swiss surveillance technology to the Serbian state raises ethical concerns. The Regulation on the Export and Brokerage of Goods for Internet and Mobile Surveillance prevents sales if there are reasonable grounds to suspect misuse for repression in the recipient country.

A Different Outcome Today

Seco’s decision to export the IMSI catchers involved consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (EDA), the Ministry of Defense (VBS), and the intelligence agency (NDB). Ultimately, the government approved the export. According to spokesperson Mayenfisch, “During our review, we found insufficient evidence that the end user would utilize this technology for oppressive purposes.”

However, current evidence suggests a different conclusion. The Serbian authorities’ use of spyware against dissenters is now glaringly evident. Activists and journalists have been summoned for so-called “information interviews,” reminiscent of communist-era practices where opposition members were interrogated without clear justification. During these interviews, they were compelled to surrender their mobile phones, which then had spyware secretly installed. Amnesty International’s reports reveal that both Israeli software Pegasus and Serbian surveillance software Novispy were employed.

Only Vučić Remains

Vučić increasingly governs through autocratic methods. The media, judiciary, and administrative structures are largely under the sway of his loyalists. However, the protests that began three months ago now pose a significant threat to his rule. Serbia is experiencing its largest demonstrations since the revolt against Slobodan Milošević in 2000.

Vučić, who has been in authority in various roles since 2012, has accused the protesters of being influenced by foreign intelligence agencies.

By removing Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, the Serbian government aims to placate the opposition. But will this sacrifice suffice? With Vučević’s resignation, the protest movement now directs its blame solely at Aleksandar Vučić, concludes the Swiss Blik.

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