Criminal complaint filed after three timber contracts were signed without public procedure
The Ministry of Internal Affairs says a former Gjurište forestry director signed three contracts without a public procedure, enabling illegal gains of 3,422,592 denars.
The External Office for Criminal Investigations — Sveti Nikole filed a criminal complaint against B.I., a 62-year-old resident of Sveti Nikole, on suspicion of the criminal offence described as "abuse of official position and authority," the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.
According to the ministry statement, between July and November 2023, while serving as director of the forestry unit Gjurište — Sveti Nikole, the defendant failed to follow legal rules that ensure a transparent and competitive selection of a business partner.
Instead of running a proper procurement procedure, he signed three sale contracts for timber assortments known as "penushka" with a company registered in the village of Buzalkovo in the Veles municipality. The contracts allegedly allowed the company to gain an unlawful property advantage of 3,422,592 denars.
Investigation and next steps
The complaint was lodged by the External Office for Criminal Investigations in Sveti Nikole and forwarded to the competent prosecution for further action. The ministry did not provide additional details about possible arrests or preventive measures.
Authorities will now examine the contracts and procurement documentation from the Gjurište forestry unit to determine whether administrative or criminal liability applies to other persons involved, the ministry added.
Photo: press material from the event
