Kumanovo: coordinated searches and detentions over extortion and money laundering

Police and prosecutors announced coordinated actions in Kumanovo on Thursday, during which suspects were detained on suspicion of extortion, usury and blackmail and multiple searches are being carried out at different locations.

Ongoing searches, evidence collection

“A public prosecutor from the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption is coordinating actions of police officers from the Department for Combating Organized and Serious Crime at the Ministry of Interior. Based on orders obtained from the competent public prosecutor's office, multiple searches are being conducted to secure evidence in connection with the criminal offences 'extortion', 'money laundering and other proceeds from criminal offences' and 'negligent performance of duty'. After the action is fully completed we will appropriately inform the public,” the Prosecutor's Office said.

The searches are being executed under court orders and focus on gathering material evidence related to the alleged crimes: extortion, money laundering and other proceeds from criminal activity, and negligent performance of official duties.

“Police officers from the Department for Combating Organized and Serious Crime at the Ministry of Interior are carrying out searches in coordination with a competent public prosecutor from the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption in connection with the criminal offences 'extortion', 'money laundering and other proceeds from criminal offences' and 'negligent performance of duty',” the Ministry of Interior said, adding that it will release further information once the operation is completed.

Both institutions stressed that they will provide more details to the public after the operation concludes and that the actions in Kumanovo remain ongoing at this time.

Photo: press material from the event