Artan Grubi to leave house arrest on October 13, 2026; defence offers €335,707 guarantee

Former deputy prime minister Artan Grubi will leave house arrest on October 13, 2026, when the statutory 60‑day limit on that precautionary measure expires, court officials said. His defence has asked the court to lift additional precautionary measures and proposed an immovable property guarantee worth €335,707 to ensure his availability to prosecutors during the criminal proceedings.

The indictment in the so‑called "State Lottery" case was submitted on August 13, 2026. Under Article 470 of the Criminal Procedure Code, pretrial detention related to an indictment may last up to 60 days from the date the indictment is filed. That legal limit means Grubi's house arrest runs out on October 13, 2026.

Alongside house arrest, the court previously ordered temporary confiscation of Grubi's passport and a ban on issuing any travel document that would allow him to cross the state border. Those precautionary measures remain in effect after the 60‑day period unless the court decides otherwise.

Defence offers property as guarantee

Defence lawyers have submitted a request to the court under Article 150 of the Criminal Procedure Code, asking for removal of the travel‑related restrictions in exchange for a guarantee. They offered an immovable property valued at €335,707. The court registered the proposal as a case file and sent it to the competent public prosecution for an opinion; once that opinion arrives the Criminal Council will consider the defence proposal and notify the public, the Basic Criminal Court – Skopje said.

Daniela Dimovska, president of the Criminal Court, confirmed that Grubi will continue the proceedings free after October 13. She said: "The only thing I can say for certain is that regardless of the decision (of the court), he will see it while free. Grubi's detention expires on October 13. The person will continue to follow the process and defend himself from freedom." Dimovska made the remark during an appearance on a podcast.

Grubi is a second defendant in the State Lottery case, charged with abuse of office and authority. The indictment against him and seven other individuals was filed on August 13, 2026. During the ongoing trial, Grubi has pleaded not guilty.

Photo: press material from the event