Kosovo Arrests Fehim Sali at Merdare Border: Suspected Serbia BIA Spy Had Links to Zhelimir Matović

 Kosovo Police have announced the arrest of a Kosovar citizen at the Merdare border crossing, on suspicion of involvement in the criminal offense of espionage.

 Fehim Sali (left) pictured alongside Serbian politician Ivica Dačić. Kosovo authorities arrested Sali at the Merdare border crossing on suspicions of espionage and long-term cooperation with Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency (BIA) [cite: Kosovo Police have announced the arrest of a Kosovar citizen at the Merdare border crossing, on suspicion of involvement in the criminal offense of espionage., According to information released by Kosovo authorities, Sali is suspected of having cooperated for an extended period with Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency (BIA).].

The arrest of Fehim Sali was carried out in a joint operation involving the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI), Kosovo Police and the Special Prosecution Office.

According to information released by Kosovo authorities, Sali is suspected of having cooperated for an extended period with Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency (BIA). Investigators also allege that he maintained contact with an official of the Serbian agency identified as Zhelimir Matović.

Sali worked as a teacher at the Serbian-language “9 Maji” school in Rapçë, Dragash. According to police, he had previously served on the Consultative Council for Communities within the Office of the President of Kosovo.

Investigators are also examining allegations that Sali acted as an intermediary in matters involving property issues and Serbian documents. Authorities are further investigating suspicions that he collected votes in support of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Money, phones and documents seized

Following the arrest at Merdare, investigators from the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Serious Crimes conducted a search of the suspect’s home in Dragash.

According to Kosovo Police, authorities seized €39,500 in cash, 500 Serbian dinars, four mobile phones and various documents that investigators believe could be relevant to the case.

The Special Prosecution Office has ordered that Fehim Sali be held for 48 hours.

Within the legally prescribed deadline, the Special Prosecution Office is expected to ask the Basic Court in Pristina to impose a detention measure.

The allegations against Sali remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings. His arrest and detention do not constitute a final determination of guilt.