He is a law graduate and has won over 20 journalistic prizes for his investigations into corruption and abuse of public duty.
He is the author of over ten in-depth, comprehensive reports on terrorism, corruption, transitional justice, media financing, disinformation and gender-based violence/gender equality in Kosovo.
Recently, he won an EU Award for Investigative Journalism (first prize).
Let’s meet him!
- Why did you decide to investigate corruption and abuse of public duty?
My decision to delve into investigative journalism stems from my professional background and aspirations. Having studied law, I initially envisioned a career as a prosecutor focused on serious crimes. However, on entering journalism, I realised the profound impact I could have in uncovering crime and corruption through in-depth investigations. Journalism offered me a broader platform to expose wrongdoing and contribute meaningfully to public accountability. This realisation motivated me to change my focus from prosecution to investigative reporting, where I found both success and personal fulfillment in uncovering systemic abuses of power.
- Since joining BIRN, you’ve produced over 300 investigative TV programmes and around 1,000 investigative articles. What do you prefer working on and why?
Corruption and crime are deeply embedded in various aspects of life in the Balkans, making investigative journalism both challenging and crucial. Over the years, I have uncovered organised crime networks spanning from the judiciary to the environment. My preference lies not in the medium, be it TV programmes or articles, but in the completeness of the investigation itself. What drives me is the thoroughness of the research and the precision with which those responsible for misconduct are identified and exposed. This comprehensive approach ensures accountability and empowers the public with actionable knowledge.
- How do the results of your work affect you – with over ten prosecutors and judges being arrested and charged, over 30 police officers being arrested and ten indictments of corruption issued for public officials, such as ministers and mayors? What crosses your mind when you look back at these results of your investigations?
Every time I publish a significant investigation, I feel a sense of achievement, often believing that it may be the pinnacle of my career. Yet, experience has shown that each new investigation builds upon the last, raising the standard for what is possible. These results – such as the arrests and indictments – validate the importance of investigative journalism and its role in fostering accountability. When I reflect on these outcomes, I am reminded that the pursuit of truth is an ongoing journey, and there is always more to uncover.
- You also hold workshops. Can you tell us more about that?
Professional growth is a cornerstone of my career, and I dedicate considerable time to both attending and delivering advanced training. Each year, I personally attend over 10 specialized trainings in diverse fields. As a certified trainer, I have developed comprehensive programmes on topics ranging from terrorism, money laundering and organised crime to whistleblower protection, identifying disinformation narratives and gender-based violence reporting. My training programmes are tailored to various audiences, including journalists, lawyers, students, and public officials. For specific institutions, such as the police, prosecution, courts, tax administration and customs authorities in Kosovo, I have designed specialised modules on public communication and countering disinformation. These efforts aim to equip stakeholders with the skills needed to navigate complex challenges and enhance transparency.
- You and Behar Mustafa recently won the EU Award for Best Investigative Journalism for 2024 in Kosovo (first prize) for your series of investigations into corruption with building permits in Brezovica. So far, you have won over 20 journalistic prizes. What do they mean to you?
Awards serve as both recognition of the hard work behind investigative journalism and as motivation to strive for greater excellence. Winning the EU Award for Best Investigative Journalism in 2024, alongside Behar Mustafa, was a recognition of our dedication to uncovering corruption in Brezovica. For me, these accolades are not just about prestige but also a personal challenge to surpass my own benchmarks. Each award pushes me to innovate, dig deeper, and remain competitive with my peers, ensuring that my work continues to make a meaningful impact.
- Which of your stories are you most proud of and why?
Two investigations stand out as defining moments in my career:
US-Sanctioned Serb’s Company Subcontracts Work to Kosovo Albanians
This investigation uncovered how organised crime groups from Kosovo funneled illicit funds into projects in Ulcinj, exposing the international reach of corruption.
The Appeals Chief Prosecutor Bribery Case
This exposé revealed that the chief prosecutor of appeals accepted a bribe of 300,000 euros, a story that sent shockwaves through the justice system.
These stories exemplify the transformative power of investigative journalism in holding individuals and systems accountable.