Five detained in Skopje raids; automatic and sniper rifles, large sum of money seized
Police raids at twelve locations in Skopje led to the seizure of weapons, cash and an ISIS flag; three suspects face terrorism-related charges.
Five people were detained in a coordinated police operation in Skopje that targeted an organised group accused of links to the Islamic State (ISIS) and of illegal arms trading. Raids took place at twelve locations and searches were carried out in the homes of six individuals, law enforcement said.
Seized weapons, documents and cash
Officers recovered automatic rifles and sniper rifles, several handguns, ammunition, a tactical vest, radio devices and a flag of the terrorist organisation ISIS. Electronic devices, mobile phones and a substantial amount of local and foreign currency were also seized during the action.
According to the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the 34-year-old K.I. from Skopje has, since 2023, been active within a group built around an ISIS ideological matrix. Investigators say he recruited and indoctrinated young people, disseminated radical propaganda and procured and handled weapons.
Prosecutors state that K.I., together with B.A. (24) and E.S. (30), formed a group that unlawfully possessed, mediated and traded in firearms and ammunition.
The Sector for Fight against Terrorism, Violent Extremism and Radicalization filed criminal charges against K.I. (34) for "terrorism" and for the criminal offence of "unauthorized manufacture, possession, mediation and trafficking in weapons or explosive materials", and against B.A. (24) and E.S. (30) for the offence of "unauthorized manufacture, possession, mediation and trafficking in weapons or explosive materials".
The detained individuals remain in police custody while investigators continue evidence collection and prosecutors prepare the case for formal indictment.
Photo: press material from the event
