Basic Public Prosecutor's Office – Skopje opens case after tip-off over waste pollution near Rashche
Prosecutors will coordinate checks with the State Environmental Inspectorate to determine the origin and impact of a dumpsite near the Rashche springs.
On 12 August 2026 the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office – Skopje announced it has opened a case following a tip-off to investigate reports of severe waste pollution in a protected area near the Rashche springs.
"The competent public prosecutor will coordinate the activities of the State Environmental Inspectorate and the competent inspection services in order to carry out checks regarding the origin of the landfill, as well as the possible consequences. If elements of a criminal offense against the environment are established and perpetrators identified, the public prosecutor's office will act in accordance with its competences for criminal prosecution," the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office said.
Inspection and criminal checks
The office said prosecutors will lead and coordinate on-site inspections together with the State Environmental Inspectorate and other relevant inspection services. Authorities will concentrate on establishing who created the dumpsite, how long the pollution has been present and what environmental and public-health consequences may follow.
The investigation was triggered by a received report — a so-called tip-off — that described "enormous" contamination with waste within the protected zone around the Rashche water sources. Prosecutors have not announced any suspects so far.
If inspections uncover evidence that satisfies the elements of an environmental crime and identify responsible parties, the prosecutor's office stated it will initiate criminal proceedings under its statutory powers.
Local residents and environmental groups who reported the pollution called for swift action; the prosecutor's move signals authorities intend to follow up with formal checks and possible legal steps.
Photo: press material from the event
