State Lottery trial resumes in Skopje
Evidentiary hearing resumed on October 2, 2026 in the case over alleged embezzlement of nearly 600 million denars.
On October 2, 2026 the evidentiary phase resumed at the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje in the case known as "State Lottery", in which former first deputy prime minister Artan Grubi, former State Lottery director Perparim Bajrami and six other individuals are accused.
Evidence presented and defence objections
Prosecutors have presented company records and other documentation related to the State Lottery's operations, the procurement of video lottery terminals and the contracts with the foreign partner Casinos Austria.
The defence raised objections to aspects of the contractual relationships, disputed who held the rights to organise games of chance, and questioned the procurement process for the equipment.
According to the indictment, the accused, by exceeding official powers, caused damage to the State Lottery amounting to nearly 600 million denars.
All defendants have so far pleaded not guilty and the court continues to hear evidence as the trial proceeds.
Photo: press material from the event
