English
Minister of Internal Affairs Panche Toskovski revealed details today regarding a major police operation conducted in Prilep, noting that it involved dismantling a serious organized crime group—a group the Ministry of Internal Affairs had been investigating for over a year in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and foreign partner agencies.
“We are talking about dismantling an organized crime group—a very serious one—whose members had been engaging in these activities for over 15 years while remaining beyond the reach of law enforcement,” Toshkovski stated.
The Minister reported that around thirty searches were carried out yesterday, and approximately 21 individuals will be named in the initial criminal complaint, which is set to be processed later today. Proceedings are continuing under an expedited procedure and by order of the public prosecutor.
According to Toskovski, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that members of the group also operated in Greece—specifically in the Chalkidiki and Kallithea areas—where they are suspected of committing serious property crimes, including aggravated theft. Information gathered during the investigation also indicates that some members of the group engaged in criminal activities in Spain. One of the individuals who had been under house arrest in Spain fled the country; that person has now been secured by the Macedonian police and is facing appropriate legal proceedings.
“We are dealing with a serious organized crime group that—I repeat—has been active for many years not only in Macedonia but also in European Union member states. This group has been the subject of an extensive operation coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for over a year,” said Toskovski.
The investigation also raises suspicions that certain criminal activities were facilitated by police officers who shared information with members of the group. Consequently, searches were conducted at the homes of police officers suspected of collaborating with some of the suspects.
Toskovski also reported that a close family member of one of the suspects was arrested by French police several months ago after 10 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in a hidden compartment in his vehicle; according to the information provided by the minister, the drugs were intended to be brought to Macedonia. During yesterday’s searches, cash amounting to over 120,000–130,000 EUR were discovered, and approximately ten vehicles were seized, including two Maseratis and two luxury Land Rovers. There are reasonable grounds to suspect that one of the vehicles is linked to forged documentation. Investigative activities are continuing today.