Public Prosecutor opens probe into alleged sale of 'Cuban' cancer vaccines in Veles

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Veles has opened a criminal case and carried out searches in an investigation into a local man accused of selling so‑called "Cuban vaccines" to patients with cancer, the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of North Macedonia said.

Prosecutors say one person is suspected of fraud under Article 247 and illegal medical practice under Article 209 of the Criminal Code (CC). Search warrants were executed at several locations, and material evidence recovered at the suspect's workplace in Veles — including electronic devices — will undergo forensic examination.

“Proceedings are under way to collect evidence regarding information that the suspect, with the intention of obtaining unlawful financial gain, misled several people by falsely offering them 'Cuban vaccines' against cancer,” the Office said, adding that the investigating prosecutor is interviewing alleged victims and other people who may have relevant information.

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Veles proposed precautionary measures for the suspect — confiscation of his passport and an obligation to report to court — and, the statement says, the measures were approved. The decision was handed to the suspect while he was in hospital, where he is currently admitted.

Authorities also said police and prosecutors will continue investigative steps to secure additional evidence. Investigators seized electronic equipment during the searches and are carrying out further checks.

Relatives of patients say dozens of people were affected and that families paid about €3,200 for a single dose of the alleged treatment. According to those family members, the suspect sometimes hid syringes and packaging from those present and refused to hand over vaccine packaging; they suspect saline solution was administered. A representative of the Cuban institute for Serbia, Zoran Vujović, told local television this week he never worked with the man and said: "But this in your country must be a scam. Transport must be in a cold chain and the temperature must be between 2 and 8 degrees. So, they may be smuggling something and killing people."

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski urged caution and reminded citizens to use services only at medical institutions: "I know that when citizens are faced with a severe illness they seek all possible ways to recover. However, that opens space for many charlatans and criminals."

The man has previously faced legal proceedings: police and prosecutors confirmed he was reported in a separate fraud case involving a company owner from Ohrid. A hearing scheduled for 7 October did not take place because the defendant did not appear; his lawyer submitted medical documentation saying he was unable to attend.

Photo: Arhiva