Prilep organised‑crime probe — about 21 people to be named in complaint
Ministry of Internal Affairs says investigation — run with prosecutors and foreign partners for over a year — uncovered cash, luxury cars and international ties.
Police in North Macedonia have launched a major probe into an organised crime group based in Prilep, with an initial criminal complaint expected to name about 21 people, authorities said.
Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski told Radio Lider that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, working with the Public Prosecutor's Office and foreign partner agencies, has been investigating the case for more than a year.
Key seizures and international links
During yesterday’s operation roughly 30 searches were carried out. Authorities recovered between 120,000 and 130,000 euros in cash and seized about ten vehicles, including two Maseratis and two Land Rovers. Investigators say one of the cars may be linked to falsified documentation.
Toshkovski said investigators have established an international dimension to the group's activities. He pointed to suspected operations in Greece — notably in Halkidiki and Kallithea — where inquiries concern property offences, including serious thefts. Some members are also believed to have acted in Spain.
According to the minister, one person who had been under house arrest in Spain escaped but was later located by Macedonian police and brought into criminal proceedings. He also reported that a close relative of one suspect was arrested in France months earlier; authorities found 10 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a bunker inside that person’s vehicle, allegedly intended to be brought into North Macedonia.
The inquiry is also examining possible collusion by police officers. Toshkovski said there are suspicions that certain police personnel shared information with members of the criminal network, and searches were conducted at the homes of several officers. Investigators are checking the suspects’ asset records and exploring possible money‑laundering links, including a property transaction in Serbia.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Public Prosecutor’s Office said the probe will continue, with further documentation of the group’s activities and of any assets suspected to have been acquired through criminal means. Toshkovski said authorities will pursue criminal responsibility and work to confiscate property proven to be criminally obtained.
Photo: press material from the event
