Food inspector investigated for €250 bribe, prosecutors seek detention

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Skopje has launched an investigation and issued an order to open an investigative procedure against a 42-year-old employee of the Agency for Food and Veterinary, on suspicion of accepting a bribe under Article 357, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.

Prosecutors say the suspect, working as a food inspector, asked for and received a payment of €250 from the manager of a legal entity between 17 and 25 September. The money was allegedly given in exchange for a written report stating that an inspection had been carried out and that no irregularities were found at the establishment, including that the operator complied with required work procedures.

Prosecutor proposes detention

According to the prosecution, the public prosecutor filed a motion with the pre-trial judge requesting detention for the suspect.

In a statement, the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office explained the reasons for the detention request: "Due to the risk of flight, the danger that the suspect might influence the injured party and his testimony, as well as the possibility that, from the position of a public official - inspector, she could repeat the action she should not have performed, the public prosecutor submitted a proposal to the pre-trial judge to order the measure of detention."

The court will decide on the prosecutor's motion. The investigative procedure remains ongoing as authorities collect evidence and prepare further legal steps.

Photo: press material from the event