The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has played a pivotal role in assisting Kosovo authorities in the investigation of the November 2024 terrorist attack on the “Ibër-Lepenc” water and energy canal, which led to the arrest of the main suspects, Jovan and Dragiša Vičentijević.
According to the indictment obtained by Paparaci, FBI geologists analyzed soil samples found in the suspects’ boots, comparing them with reference samples collected directly from the canal site in Varagë, Zubin Potok.
“The factual circumstances described in this indictment are clearly confirmed by the FBI’s geological examination of soil samples from the boots seized in the Vičentijević brothers’ homes in Zubin Potok and Prevllak, alongside reference samples collected from the crime scene. The analysis demonstrated no discernible differences in structure, color, or composition between the boot soil and canal soil, confirming the suspects’ involvement in the attack,” the indictment states.
The FBI conducted on-site evidence collection and laboratory tests in the United States, applying modern forensic techniques to ensure reliable comparison of soil from the crime scene and the suspects’ residences. The findings confirmed that the soil traces in the suspects’ footwear were consistent with the explosive site, despite the 13-kilometer distance between the locations. Prosecutors highlighted that the suspects must have used a vehicle to transport themselves after the attack, as the soil would not have survived on boots if they had walked through snowy terrain.
The indictment also details the specific boots seized:
- Black leather boots, mud-stained, size 44, found in the Vičentijević home in Zubin Potok.
- Brown leather boots, mud-stained, size 44, from the same residence.
- Green military-style boots, size 45, also covered in mud.
Using these findings, the Kosovo State Prosecutor concluded that the Vičentijević brothers executed the bombing, linking them directly to the crime.
The case underlines the critical international collaboration between Kosovo authorities and the FBI, demonstrating the use of advanced forensic methods in confirming involvement in high-profile attacks against critical infrastructure.
