A major and deeply troubling scandal has erupted within Albania’s diplomatic circles after a Russian citizen was reportedly employed as an “advisor” at an Albanian embassy — a role traditionally reserved for trusted, vetted personnel who represent Albania’s national interests abroad.
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| Walter Borisovich |
According to investigative reporting, at the Albanian Embassy in Berlin, the appointment of a Russian national identified as Walter Borisovich to an advisory position has triggered a criminal investigation by Albania’s Prosecutor’s Office and the Judicial Police. Prosecutors are reportedly examining embassy surveillance footage and the movements of the ambassador in connection with the case.
How Did This Happen?
Initial reports suggest that the embassy staff appointment violated established national security and diplomatic personnel rules, particularly given the sensitive nature of representing Albania in a key NATO member state. German federal authorities and Albania’s State Intelligence Service (SHISH) were said to have been involved in pressing for the removal of the Russian advisor once his position became known.
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| Aida Sakiqi and Walter Borisovich in a wine cellar in Berlin |
The ambassador in question, identified as Aida Sakiqi, has been placed under scrutiny, and charges have been filed related to abuse of office and forgery of official documents, among other counts — allegations tied, in part, to how the appointment was made.
Why This Matters
This development comes at a time when Albania — as a member of NATO and a candidate for European Union membership — has taken a firm stance against Russian military aggression and influence in Europe. Tirana has consistently condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aligned itself with EU and NATO sanctions against Moscow.
Hiring a Russian national into a diplomatic advisory role, especially within a NATO context, raises serious questions about security vetting, transparency, and decision-making criteria. International diplomacy often involves tight security clearances for embassy staff, particularly in nations with significant geopolitical tensions. Appointing a citizen from a country viewed as a strategic competitor — or even adversary — without transparent justification and rigorous checks undermines trust and invites scrutiny from both domestic stakeholders and foreign partners.
Questions Raised
Public and political reaction has centered on several critical issues:
- Who authorized this appointment?
- What criteria and security vetting procedures were followed, if any?
- Was the decision aligned with Albania’s commitments to NATO and its national security interests?
Why were relevant oversight bodies not informed, and how did the process evade scrutiny?
Such questions amplify concerns about accountability within Albania’s diplomatic service and the potential reputational damage caused by perceived lapses in judgment.
The Need for Transparency
Diplomacy is built on trust, credibility, and strict adherence to national interest — not experiments susceptible to exploitation or misinterpretation. Albanian citizens, civil society, and international partners deserve clear explanations about how and why this appointment was made, what oversight mechanisms failed, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Silence or evasiveness from authorities only deepens public distrust and raises further concerns about the governance of sensitive state affairs.