Macedonian Minister of Interior PancheToshkovskiexclusively revealed details in an interview with radio Leader regarding a major police operation conducted Wednesday in Prilep. He noted that the operation involved dismantling a serious organized crime group that the Ministry of Interior (MoI) had been investigating for over a year in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) and foreign partner agencies.
“This involves the dismantling of an organized crime group, a very serious one, whose members had been engaging in these activities for more than fifteen years while remaining untouchable by law enforcement authorities,”Toshkovskisaid.
The minister reported that approximately thirty searches were carried out Wednesday, and around 21 individuals will be included in the initial criminal complaint, which is set to be processed later Thursday. Proceedings are continuing under an expedited procedure and by order of the public prosecutor. According to Toshkovski, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that part of the group had also been operating in Greece, specifically in the Halkidiki and Kallithea areas, where they are suspected of committing serious property crimes, including aggravated theft. Information gathered during the investigation indicates that some members of the group also engaged in criminal activities in Spain. One individual, who had been under house arrest in Spain, fled the country; he has since been taken into custody by the Macedonian police and is facing appropriate legal proceedings.
The investigation also suggests that certain criminal activities were facilitated by police officers who shared information with members of the group.
Toshkovski further reported that a close family member of one of the suspects was arrested by French police several months ago after 10 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in a hidden compartment within his vehicle; according to the minister, the drugs were intended to be transported to Macedonia.
During searches conducted yesterday, over €120,000–€130,000 in cash was discovered, and approximately ten vehicles were seized, including two Maserati and two luxury Land Rovers. There are reasonable grounds to suspect that one of the vehicles is linked to forged documentation. Investigative activities are ongoing.
It was also noted that there are suspicions of money laundering, specifically, that proceeds obtained through criminal activities were introduced into legitimate financial channels both within Macedonia and abroad. The investigation has also uncovered a lead related to a real estate transaction in neighboring Serbia.