Agency for National Security opens probe into citizen over network of cloned portals linked to foreign actors

The Agency for National Security (ANB), together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office, has opened an investigation targeting a Macedonian citizen suspected of links to foreign actors who allegedly built a propaganda apparatus operating through a network of portals in North Macedonia.

According to the ANB, investigative actions were carried out on 18 September 2026 as part of ongoing measures aimed at detecting and disrupting propaganda operations that the agency says sought to influence public discourse in favour of foreign interests. During a search of the suspect's home, items were seized that are now subject to further forensic examination.

Alleged offences and the structure of the network

The ANB said there is suspicion of several criminal offences: incitement of national, racial and religious hatred, discord and intolerance under Article 319 of the Criminal Code; disclosure of official secrets under Article 360; and dissemination of racist and xenophobic material through a computer system under Article 394-g.

According to the agency, the alleged propaganda network operated through cloned pseudo-portals registered with a Macedonian internet domain, which were used to spread false news, disinformation and content intended to shape perceptions of current events. "The real actors of this propaganda network hide behind cloned pseudo-portals registered with a Macedonian internet domain," the ANB said.

ANB officials described the case as a continuation of prior actions against individuals linked to what the agency described as pro‑Russian hybrid activities. The agency noted that one person previously faced criminal charges for spreading racist and xenophobic material via a computer system.

The ANB announced it will continue efforts to identify and prevent propaganda and subversive activity run through portal networks which it assesses are connected to regional pro‑Russian political structures and could affect the country's strategic euro‑integration processes.

Photo: press material from the event