On February 25, 2025, Serbian police launched a sweeping raid on four prominent non-governmental organizations, accusing them of financial mismanagement tied to funds from the U.S. development agency USAID.
Authorities swooped in, targeting groups suspected of misusing American taxpayer dollars, a move that has sparked outrage among civil society advocates.
President Aleksandar Vučić defended the action, claiming it protected national interests, but critics, including the U.S. and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, aren’t buying it. They’ve raised red flags about USAID’s operations in Serbia, pointing to potential money laundering and improper spending. The Special Anti-Corruption Department contacted the U.S. Justice Department, seeking details on these allegations, while police seized documents from the NGOs, questioning their financial oversight.
The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office, leading the probe, zeroed in on charges of fund misuse. Observers in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia decry the raids as a blatant attempt to muzzle these groups, which champion democratic values and civic engagement. In a sharp response, the Centre for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA) in Belgrade condemned the move, positioning itself as an independent, non-partisan voice committed to fostering democracy.
Other watchdog organizations, like Civic Initiatives, Trag, and the Policy Centre, faced similar crackdowns. Maja Stojanovic, director of Civic Initiatives, told Reuters that 20 detectives stormed their offices “without a court order,” labeling it a brutal show of force and continued pressure on civil society in Serbia. Since 2001, USAID has poured nearly $1 billion (€850 million) into Serbia, aiming to strengthen governance, but skepticism lingers about its true impact and intentions. This clash has ignited fierce debate, with many questioning the government’s motives.
