How an award-winning investigation exposed corruption and violence along Serbia’s Balkan route
In a gripping investigative piece that captured the region’s attention, Ksenija Pavkov revealed the reality of smuggling gang wars in northern Serbia. Her work, which earned her the regional first prize at the EU Investigative Journalism Awards for 2024, paints a stark picture of the corruption and violence gripping the Balkan route.
Pavkov’s investigation began with a chilling incident in July 2022. A multi-hour shootout near Makova Sedmica, close to Subotica, revealed the brutal extent of the smuggling wars. Automatic weapons echoed through the forests, leaving one person dead and six wounded.
Her fieldwork took her deep into the underworld of organised crime. “This is about a criminal underworld that wasn’t well-known,” Pavkov explained. While some colleagues had uncovered segments of these networks, her challenge lay in presenting the whole story visually. Capturing such a story on camera proved daunting; those profiting from this multimillion-euro enterprise were understandably reluctant to enter the spotlight.
Pavkov’s work also illuminates institutional corruption. She asserted that an extensive smuggling chain could not operate without the knowledge or complicity of some members of the Serbian police.
Despite the challenges, Pavkov remains committed to this story. The Balkan route, a critical pathway for migrants hoping to reach the European Union, is unlikely to close anytime soon.
“For many people on this journey, this is the easiest way to reach the European Union and continue to believe that life can be better,” she emphasised.
By exposing the violence, corruption, and desperation intertwined with the smuggling networks, Ksenija Pavkov won a prestigious award and sparked a much-needed conversation about accountability and justice in the region.
Hear more in the video below.
