State Lottery trial resumes in Skopje as prosecutors present material evidence
Prosecution introduced documents on company founding, VLT procurement and records from the June 6, 2023 government session; accused face alleged damage of 596.125.511 denari.
Trial proceedings in the case known as "State Lottery" resumed today at the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje with the prosecution presenting material evidence related to the alleged irregularities. Among the defendants are former first deputy prime minister Artan Grubi and the former director of AD "State Lottery", Perparim Bajrami.
Prosecution opens with documents on company founding and VLT purchases
At the previous hearing the prosecution introduced extensive paperwork tied to the establishment of a joint company with a foreign partner, governmental decisions, and financial transactions connected to the procurement of video lottery terminals (VLTs).
Submitted items included the AD "State Lottery" work programme for 2023, a contract for services, and an expert opinion prepared by an authorized appraiser on the value and viability of investing in VLTs. The prosecution also cited a report sent to the General Secretariat of the Government arguing for independently operating electronic games of chance, accompanied by a market analysis.
Evidence presented further referenced the governments 158th session held on June 6, 2023 — including the proposed agenda, stenographic notes, minutes, government conclusions and the decision approving the work of the lotterys Management Board, as well as an opinion from the Ministry of Finance.
As material proof the prosecution attached foreign-currency orders, bank statements from Halkbank, analytical cards for the economic operators "Eurogames Technology", "Sinot" and "Spedition MKD", and dozens of invoice realization forms, bills and delivery notes for the purchased machines.
Besides Artan Grubi and Perparim Bajrami, who had been abroad but returned and surrendered to local authorities, the indictment names Bashkim Avdi, Metodija Dimovski, Skender Mehmeti, Bojan Janev, Fatmir Ramadanovski and Aleksandar Dimitrioski. They are accused of exceeding official powers and causing damage to AD "State Lottery" in the amount of 596.125.511 denari. All defendants previously pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution team is led by public prosecutors Daniel Kocev and Aleksandar Davchevski. The case is being adjudicated by Judge Biljana Shuplinovska-Jovevski.
Photo: press material from the event
