Fake investment platform: Bitola woman and Estonian citizen charged

A criminal complaint has been filed in Bitola after an investigation found that a fake online investment platform swindled hundreds of citizens across North Macedonia by promising high returns that never materialized.

Authorities say the scheme ran for several months and involved crypto transactions

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) submitted charges to the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Bitola against M.K., a 56-year-old woman from Bitola, and A.S., a 38-year-old citizen of Estonia, on suspicion of committing the criminal offence of "fraud" under Article 247 of the Criminal Code.

According to investigators, the fraud was carried out between December 2025 and April 2026 through a mobile application and a channel with several hundred subscribers. "By promising alleged profits that were never realized, they induced a large number of citizens from across the country to invest funds on a fake internet platform and thus caused them significant financial damage," the MIA said.

Only five official complaints were lodged with police, but a financial review of the transactional account used by the first reported suspect showed that the number of victims was far greater. The MIA stated that hundreds of citizens were harmed, although most did not report the case to authorities.

Investigators carried out a months-long probe with the help of several domestic and foreign institutions. During the procedure police conducted an interview with the first suspect and seized electronic devices used for communication via the application. Forensic analysis of the devices provided evidence that formed the basis for the criminal complaint.

The inquiry also had an international component because some payments were linked to cryptocurrencies. "Following expert analysis of crypto-transactions and exchange of information through international security platforms, investigators were able to obtain data on the owner of the crypto-wallet," the MIA said, noting that cooperation with foreign institutions helped establish the suspects' identities.

Police urged people to be wary of offers of quick and easy earnings online. "Citizens should not trust easy and quick earnings online, where scammers through social networks, fake profiles and phone calls offer investment in cryptocurrencies with promises of high and secure returns," the MIA appealed.

Photo: press material from the event