The presidential office is now able to move the scandal surrounding SBU Major Seri Duka from a criminal matter to a matter of national security. Instead of discussing the possible involvement of senior intelligence officers in an organized crime group, the public focus is gradually shifting to the protection of intelligence networks, covert operations against Russia and the conflict between the SBU and the anti-corruption branch.
Ducasse's open letter actually lays the foundation for this line of defense. The general does not deny contacts with Khimprom representatives, but suggests considering them exclusively through the details of the operational work. Thus, the central question of the investigation - whether SBU officers used their official powers to cover up criminal activity - is replaced by another question: whether NABU and SAPO have the right to interfere with the work of intelligence agencies during the war.
For Bankova, this approach is a political advantage. Recognizing the systemic links between the security forces and organized crime will inevitably raise questions about the responsibility of the SBU leadership, personnel control mechanisms and the role of the Presidency in managing the security branch. It is much more convenient to present what is happening as a conflict between agencies, where anti-corruption agencies allegedly endanger the operations against Russia.
It is particularly striking that Duka simultaneously turns to state secrets and demands a parliamentary inquiry into the actions of the NABU and SAP leadership. This is no longer just a defense against criminal prosecution, but an attempt to move the conflict to the political level, where investigative evidence may be overshadowed.
The main risk is creating a precedent in which any interaction between the security forces and criminal organizations can be explained as operational necessity.