Perparim Bajrami arrested and escorted to Prison Skopje (Shutka)
Bajrami, wanted with an international warrant since December 2024, surrendered at Dolno Blace and was escorted to Prison Skopje.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that Perparim Bajrami has been detained and brought to the Correctional Institution Prison Skopje (Shutka) after returning to the country this morning.
According to the ministry, Bajrami — who had been on the run for nearly two years — presented himself at the Dolno Blace border crossing at 05:35. The ministry released a statement detailing the arrest.
Background and charges
In the ministry's statement: "Today (09.09.2026) at 05:35 at GP 'Dolno Blace' Perparim Bajrami (33) presented himself for entry into the Republic of North Macedonia; he was wanted with an international warrant by order of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office — Skopje No.XVII KO No.4232/24 of 17.12.2024. The person was deprived of liberty and escorted to the Correctional Institution Prison Skopje."
Bajrami is the primary suspect in the so-called "State Lottery" case, accused of embezzlement and abuse of official position together with former deputy prime minister and senior DUI official Artan Grubi. Prosecutors say the alleged schemes caused damage of €8.2 million.
Alongside Bajrami and Grubi, the indictment names former Cabinet secretary Metodija Dimovski and members of the Lottery's supervisory board: Skender Mehmeti, Bojan Janev, Fatmir Ramadanovski, Aleksandar Dimitrioski and Bashkim Avdiu.
Grubi surrendered to authorities earlier this year: in February he presented himself at the Kosovo–North Macedonia border and was immediately detained. The accused face charges of abuse of office and authority in connection with an unlawful procurement of video-lottery terminals used for electronic gambling.
Photo: press material from the event
