Police carry out searches in Skopje, Tetovo and Kumanovo in probe linked to Health Insurance Fund

On 29 October 2026 police carried out searches at more than ten locations across Skopje, Tetovo and Kumanovo as part of an inquiry into alleged financial abuses linked to the Health Insurance Fund (HIF) and a private hospital.

Scope and persons under scrutiny

According to unofficial information, the first person reported in the case is the former director of the HIF, Den Donchev. Investigators are also looking into the activities of other former Fund officials, including directors, senior managers and a former chair of the Board, and the owner of the private hospital is said to be among those covered by the probe.

Authorities have described suspicions that include abuse of official position and authority, negligent performance of duty, fraud and money laundering. The operation is still ongoing and police have executed searches at multiple addresses related to the inquiry.

Preliminary estimates circulating in the investigation indicate the damage to the state budget exceeds 1.5 million euros, while the alleged unlawful property gain obtained by the private hospital is estimated at around four million euros. The probe also examines claims that a significant number of patients treated at the facility were harmed.

So far, institutions have not published a full list of persons involved or disclosed detailed findings; more information is expected from the Ministry of Interior. The accounts of Donchev's and others' possible involvement remain unofficial at this stage, and any determination of criminal responsibility will follow the appropriate legal procedures.

The ongoing raids and searches, and the financial figures cited by investigators, mark a major development in an inquiry that could lead to further criminal proceedings should authorities gather sufficient evidence.

Photo: press material from the event