AFV inspector arrested for €300 bribe at Avtokomanda gas station

An inspector employed by the Agency for Food and Veterinary (AFV) was detained after allegedly demanding a €300 bribe from the owner of a sandwich shop to avoid issuing a fine, police said. The arrest took place at a fuel station in the Avtokomanda area of Skopje when the inspector was caught with the money.

Police: case opened after complaint

“Police officers from the Department for Combating Organized and Serious Crime at the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor's Office Skopje, deprived of liberty a person employed at the Agency for Food and Veterinary following a prior complaint that monetary funds were demanded from the owner of a catering establishment in order not to impose an offense that had been established during an inspection of the premises,” the Ministry of Interior said.

Investigators say the targeted business was a small sandwich shop and that the inspector requested specific documents or standards that the outlet did not reasonably need to possess. According to the police account, the demand for cash was tied to avoiding a reported administrative sanction observed during an inspection.

Sources indicate the official worked in the AFV sector responsible for food of non-animal origin and had moved up quickly in recent months after previously holding a junior-associate role. She was also listed as a candidate on a municipal council ticket in one of Skopje’s municipalities.

The Agency for Food and Veterinary has not publicly confirmed or denied the details, saying the inquiry is ongoing. The Public Prosecutor's Office announced it will release further information tomorrow.

The Ministry of Interior says the case was opened following a filed complaint and remains under investigation; authorities are continuing procedural steps to determine any further charges.

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