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North Macedonia government driver arrested for alleged bribery
A driver employed by the General Secretariat of the Government of North Macedonia, identified as D.C., has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe of 1,500 euros. The suspect reportedly claimed he could use his influence to facilitate the employment of a firefighter in Skopje. On September 4, 2026, the individual was caught red-handed while receiving 500 euros in marked banknotes.
A judge has ordered 30 days of pre-trial detention due to risks of flight, witness tampering, and potential repetition of the crime. The Government stated that the arrest was initiated by institutional reports and serves as evidence of their commitment to fighting corruption, asserting that ‘laws apply to everyone.’
The scandal has sparked political tension. The opposition party, SDSM, is calling for a broader investigation into Igor Janusev, the Government General Secretary, questioning whether the driver acted as an intermediary for Janusev. Janusev has denied any involvement, describing the allegations as a ‘political construction’ and stating that the driver’s actions were entirely personal and unrelated to his official duties.
Entities
Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruptu · D. C. · General Secretariat of the Government · Government General Secretariat of North Macedonia · Government of North Macedonia · Igor Janusev · Igor Janushev · Ministry of Internal Affairs · SDSM · Skopje