Fehim Sali was arrested on Thursday at the Merdare border crossing in Podujevë, on charges of the criminal offense of “Espionage”.
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According to the announcement by the Special Prosecution of Kosovo, his detention was carried out with authorization from this institution by investigators from the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Serious Crimes.
The arrest of Sali, a native of Dragash, was part of a coordinated action between security and judicial bodies.
It is reported that Sali is suspected of having maintained regular long-term connections with the Serbian intelligence service (BIA), according to sources from Radio Television of Kosovo.
He works as a teacher at the Serbian educational institution “9 Maji” in the village of Rapçë in Dragash, and previously served as a member of the Consultative Council for Communities under the Kosovo Presidency.
The same sources indicate that Sali is also being investigated for mediating property and Serbian documentation issues, as well as for collecting votes in favor of supporters of Aleksandar Vučić, the president of Serbia.
On Friday, the Basic Court in Prishtina, through the Special Department, held a hearing and decided to approve the request of the Special Prosecution for a security measure. The defendant Sali was ordered into detention.
“The pre-trial judge set for the defendant F.S. a detention of one (1) month, starting from the day of arrest, 13 August 2026, and ending on 13 September 2026,” the court announced.
Regarding this case, security affairs expert Arben Dashevci spoke to “Bota sot”. He emphasized that such individuals are dangerous and are treated as such.
Dashevci describes espionage as an extremely serious and complex criminal offense that requires an in-depth investigation.
“This is another success of our security structures against this extremely harmful activity that strikes at our national security. These are dangerous people and are classified as such, but since we have full, educated, professional and competent institutions, prison is the only place for these wrongdoers. Espionage is a serious and complex criminal offense, therefore a detailed investigation is needed. Anyone who infringes upon and tries to harm national security will face the fate of many previous cases, as 6 other persons have been arrested earlier,” he stated.
He praised the work of security bodies, underlining that beyond this case there could be wider implications for the state’s security.
“Our security institutions are doing an excellent job and with this tireless engagement they directly protect the national security of Kosovo. By citing the risk of flight, of interference with evidence and witnesses, as well as the repetition or continuation of the criminal offense, the court indicates the high degree of risk and the nature of the ongoing investigations, given that the offense is serious and sensitive. This case could also bring greater consequences for the national security of the country,” the expert added.
In conclusion, Dashevci considered the case as essential for the field of counterintelligence and defense. “I think this case is extremely important for counterintelligence and the protection of our institutions from individuals who act on behalf of hostile services against our country, damaging, infringing, and endangering our national security through their activity,” he declared.
