started · updated
North Macedonia officials charged in hydrometeorological procurement fraud
The Ministry of Internal Affairs in North Macedonia has filed criminal charges against nine individuals and one legal entity regarding suspected abuse of office and document falsification within the Administration for Hydrometeorological Services (UHMR).
The charges involve the acting director, I. T. (53), who is accused of manipulating procurement procedures to provide unlawful financial benefits to two legal entities based in Skopje and Bitola. The total estimated value of the illicit gain is approximately 30,026,836 denars, or roughly 487,715 euros.
Investigators allege that the director bypassed the World Meteorological Organization’s Ethical Code by approving procurement decisions for the same activity at different times using altered specifications. The process reportedly lacked proper documentation, such as signed minutes from bid openings, and relied on a “lowest price” criterion despite bidders failing to meet technical requirements.
Entities
Administration for Hydrometeorological Services · Administration of Hydrometeorological Services · Basic State Prosecutor's Office in Nikšić · Maksim Matović · Ministry of Internal Affairs · Nikšić · North Macedonia · Police Administration of Montenegro · Police Administration of Nikšić · Skopje
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police searched the suspect's apartment and other premises.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Matović is suspected of usury (zelenaštvo).
- [● 2 SOURCES] Maksim Matović, a 23-year-old from Nikšić, was arrested.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspect allegedly charged a monthly interest rate of 20 percent.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Items were seized during the search for further forensic examination.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspect allegedly targeted individuals in difficult financial situations.