Pegasus Spyware Targets Serbian University Rector and Prosecutor

Cybersecurity researchers from Citizen Lab and the SHARE Foundation confirmed that the iPhone of Vladan Djokic, rector of the University of Belgrade, was infected with Pegasus spyware in 2026. The findings were released on October 19, shortly before Serbia's October 25 parliamentary elections. Djokic, a supporter of student protests against President Aleksandar Vucic, described the hacking as a "serious attack on my privacy, security and the integrity of the post of rector."

Investigations also focused on Rade Bajic, a former associate prosecutor who investigated government corruption linked to a real estate project involving Jared Kushner. While Bajic received a warning from Apple on August 13 regarding mercenary spyware, researchers have not yet confirmed if his device was successfully compromised. Bajic stated his involvement in that corruption case was the sole reason for the attack.

These incidents follow reports that at least 14 other activists and students were targeted with spyware in September, following similar patterns seen before local elections in March. The NSO Group, the developer of Pegasus, and the Serbian Interior Ministry have not commented on the allegations. Serbian authorities have previously denied involvement in such cyberespionage activities.