Prosecutors close probe into procurements for 19 modular hospitals

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecuting Organized Crime and Corruption has closed the investigation into the public procurements connected to construction of 19 modular hospitals across the country.

At a briefing with journalists, prosecutor Verica Berzecka said: "there is no founded suspicion of abuse of official position and powers in the public procurements."

The inquiry was originally opened on 10 September 2021 after the deadly incident at the modular COVID ward in Tetovo. Prosecutors reviewed a large and complex body of documents before reaching the decision to discontinue the case.

Case handling and transfer between prosecutors

The file initially belonged to prosecutor Vilma Ruskovska. It later passed through prosecutor Elizabeta Josifovska before being finalized by Berzecka, who announced the closure at today's briefing.

The fire at the Tetovo modular hospital occurred on 8 September 2021; 14 people lost their lives and about ten were injured in that incident.

Authorities said the review focused on whether there were irregularities in the procurement and construction processes; after the analysis they found no evidence sufficient to sustain criminal charges for abuse of office linked to the purchases.

Officials indicated more information may be provided later in the day.

Photo: press material from the event