Security expert Fidair Berisha on the Fehim Salit case: The investigation must uncover the links and communication channels

The Basic Court in Pristina recently ordered one month of pretrial detention for Fehim Salit, who is suspected of espionage.

The court’s decision was also based on the assessment that there is a risk of influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence, as well as the possibility that the criminal offense could be repeated or continue.

Security expert Fidair Berisha said that every suspected case of espionage requires special treatment, as such activity could directly threaten national security.

“Suspicions of espionage must be treated with the utmost seriousness, particularly when they are supported by concrete evidence and are linked to national security interests. However, at this stage, a clear distinction must be made between reasonable suspicion and proven guilt. Justice institutions and investigative bodies must be given the opportunity to analyze and clarify the case in its entirety, as they are the authorities that can make the greatest contribution to shedding light on the specific matter,” Berisha said.

He added that, from a security perspective, it must be determined what information is suspected of having been obtained or relayed, to whom it was sent, what the purpose was and whether it had consequences for the strategic interests of the Republic of Kosovo.

Berisha emphasized that the investigation must be broad and include tracing contacts, communication channels and any other data that could help fully clarify the case.

“In an investigation into suspected espionage, attention should not be focused solely on the alleged act. Evidence must be collected, contacts and communication channels identified, and it must be assessed whether this concerns an isolated activity or part of a broader operation.

Institutions must always take into account the possibility of influencing witnesses or interfering with evidence. This risk becomes particularly important if the person has had access to information, contacts or structures relevant to the investigation. The risk of the suspected activity continuing must also be carefully assessed, but only in accordance with legal standards and on the basis of concrete evidence,” he stressed.

According to the security expert, confirmation of the suspicions during the investigation would turn the matter into a case with direct consequences for national security.

“If the investigations confirm the suspicions of espionage, then we are potentially dealing with a serious national security matter. The risk lies not only in the information that may have been compromised, but also in the possibility that an external actor may have secured access, contacts or channels of influence within our institutions or society.

For this reason, the investigation should not be limited to the question of whether only one individual is involved. It must be professionally examined whether other people are involved, whether there are organizational or financial links, and whether the suspected activity was part of a broader structure.

This case must be treated seriously, but also with great institutional care. In the field of intelligence and counterintelligence, professionalism, preservation of evidence and coordination among institutions are equally important. What must not happen is either the minimization of the risk or the drawing of conclusions before the investigation has been fully completed!” Berisha concluded in an interview with “Bota Sot”.