BIRN Kosovo and Internews Kosova have launched the documentary Smuggling without borders. which examines illegal networks involved in migrant smuggling through irregular routes in Kosovo, including the misuse of work visa applications.

The event was attended by many institutional, international, and civil society representatives, including law enforcement agencies, with keynote speeches from the UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution Office, Blerim Isufaj, and Lieutenant Blerim Rama from the Kosovo Police.

In her opening speech, BIRN Kosovo Director Jeta Xharra highlighted the historical experience of migration in Kosovo and explained how the documentary exposes the functioning and influence of smuggling networks that use Kosovo as a transit or destination country. While Chief Prosecutor Isufaj stressed that irregular migration requires coordinated institutional and international action, noting intensified investigations and cooperation with the United Kingdom, including the 2025 case of Laboratori,  in which suspects were sanctioned by UK authorities.

UK Ambassador in Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, emphasized the UK’s focus on tackling illegal migration and criminal groups exploiting migrants, underlining strong cooperation with Kosovo institutions to combat organized crime.  In addition, according to Kosovo Police representative, Blerim Rama, main irregular entry points include Han i Elezit and Vërmica, while exits toward Serbia often occur through Jarinje. He noted effective cooperation with Albania and North Macedonia, but a lack of cooperation from Serbia.

After the speeches were concluded, the documentary was premiered for the participants. The BIRN event was livestreamed in Youtube . Through this documentary, the project partners aim to raise awareness of migrant smuggling networks and to promote coordinated action by relevant institutions to address irregular migration. 44 participants gathered at the launch event, of whom 10 were women.

This activity was funded by the British Embassy in Kosovo, implemented by BIRN Kosovo and Internews Kosova (I/KS).