There are indications, according to Moldovan intelligence, of Russian and Moldovan nationals residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and cooperating with BiH citizens. An investigation will determine whether concrete evidence exists. The head of the Intelligence-Security Agency of BiH (OSA BiH), Almir Dzuvo, informed members of the Joint Commission for Oversight of OSA’s Work about the developments.
Reports suggest that Russian and Moldovan nationals have been present and possibly trained in BiH, specifically in Republika Srpska (RS). However, no specific evidence has been released to the public. Behind closed doors, the Commission discussed records of these nationals’ entry into BiH and satellite images of suspicious locations in RS. Investigation details remain unavailable. The members of the Commission were informed about the indications by the first man of the OSA, Ilija Cvitanovic.
“I believe we will have more information soon. I don’t want to place this in a political context because that would alarm the public and take us in the wrong direction,” said Cvitanovic.
The deputy chair of the Joint Commission, Albin Muslic, emphasized that it’s difficult to comment without concrete evidence: “An investigation is underway to verify these indications, and only afterward can we share specific information about the alleged camps or training centers.”
According to unofficial sources, satellite imagery showed a location near Banja Luka that could be a training site for foreign nationals in collaboration with locals. Previously, state ministers had also raised concerns about such activities in BiH, with some linking them to RS politics.
“I didn’t want to go public. I spoke with the OSA BiH director, and we agreed not to release any information for now. All I can say is that it’s true – such activities are taking place in RS, and they are connected to one of the senior RS officials,” stated Defense Minister Zukan Helez.
The United States (U.S.) Embassy in BiH also raised concerns about the harm such reports could cause, questioning whether RS leadership is genuinely committed to the reforms necessary for the progress of European aspirations and orientation. Those implicated, however, deny all allegations.
“A camp is not a needle you can hide. If it really existed, surely Moldova would have informed us, requested information, or issued a protest note. We’ve never received a single word from them,” said BiH’s Minister of Security, Nenad Nesic.
Interestingly, the denials pertain to the existence of camps, while the reports refer only to individuals. The investigation will confirm whether these findings are accurate. The Commission also proposed a 20% budget increase for OSA BiH to ensure timely and effective responses to challenges.
More information about the terrorist attack in Bosanska Krupa, following the killing of a police officer, will be available once the investigation by all security agencies concludes.
