In December 2022, the basic prosecutor's office in Ferizaj filed an indictment against the former mayor of Shtërpce municipality, Bratislav Nikolić, and 11 others for four criminal offences. According to the prosecutor's office, Nikolić misused his official position to obtain material benefit for himself, enabling the granting of construction permits in the Sharr Mountains National Park. According to press reports, he was charged with the abuse of an official position, bribery, exercise of influence and illegal possession of weapons. Eleven others are accused of committing these offences with him, and the prosecution's indictment alleges that Nikolić received a total of €3 million in bribes as a result.

According to press reports, at the request of the prosecutor's office, the court seized a total of 75 villas, three of which belonged to judges of the Republic of Kosovo. Reports also cite prosecution files which list properties in the protected zone owned by former foreign minister Enver Hoxhaj, supreme court judge Agim Maliqi, court of appeals judge Bashkim Hyseni, and Mustafe Tahiri, head of the Ferizaj/Urosevac basic court. Two brothers of former president Hashim Thaci, who is standing trial for war crimes in The Hague, are also said to have built villas there.

In April 2023, the initial hearing was held where 11 the accused pled not guilty, with one, Mustafa Hyseni, the head of the department for environmental and water protection and head of inspection in the municipality of Shtërpce asking for a plea agreement.

In September 2023, the court decided to release former mayor Nikolić on bail provided he would pay a €50,000 caution.