Kosovo authorities have temporarily closed 34 massage centers and nightclubs and arrested 28 suspects as part of a sweeping operation targeting over 100 businesses across the country.
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| A female Kosovar police officer placing a notice in one of the massage centers in Prishtina announcing "Temporary Suspension of Activity" |
According to MINT, 34 establishments were shut down due to the lack of business registration and failure to meet minimum technical requirements. The ministry also reported issuing 45 penalties to operators found in violation of legal regulations.
Arrests Linked to Prostitution and Child Exploitation
In a separate statement, the Kosovo Police revealed that 21 suspects were arrested during the operation, with 10 cases involving prostitution-related activities identified as "escorts."
Additionally, seven women were arrested on charges of "child neglect or abandonment" after authorities identified seven children being used as beggars.
International Cooperation in JAD SEE 2024 Operation
The operation, titled "Joint Action Days (JAD) SEE 2024," involved cooperation from several countries, including Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, France, and representatives from EUROPOL, FRONTEX, and INTERPOL.
Authorities seized 73 documents from foreign nationals during the operation, which were sent to Kosovo’s Directorate for Migration and Foreigners for verification. Among the individuals detained, one was found to have an active arrest warrant and was handed over to the relevant station for further procedures.
A Broader Effort to Enforce the Law
The large-scale crackdown is part of Kosovo's effort to address illicit activities, enforce trade laws, and enhance public safety. Officials have emphasized that similar actions will continue to target businesses operating outside the bounds of the law, ensuring compliance and protecting vulnerable populations.