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North Macedonia police dismantle smuggling and corruption ring
North Macedonian authorities have dismantled an organized criminal group involved in smuggling and corruption. Following raids in Skopje, Tetovo, and Gevgelija, police detained at least six individuals, including two Turkish nationals.
The investigation revealed that the group smuggled tobacco, cigarettes, and illegal medical supplements. Health Minister Sasho Klevoski noted that the seized supplements, marketed for male sexual health, were unregistered and potentially dangerous to public health.
Authorities also uncovered a corruption scheme where a customs official was allegedly bribed to allow the seamless passage of goods without paying duties. During the operation, police seized over 100,000 euros, gold-colored plates, and various illicit goods, causing significant damage to the state budget.
Entities
Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruptu · Gevgelija · Ministry of Health · Ministry of Health of North Macedonia · Ministry of Internal Affairs · Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia · Sasho Klekovski · Sasho Klevkovski · Skopje · Tetovo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities seized over 100,000 euros, 16 gold-colored plates, untaxed cigarettes and tobacco, and illegal medicines and supplements. expres.mk · republika.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] A customs official, Z. S., allegedly accepted bribes to allow the group to bypass duties and controls. expres.mk · republika.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The illegal smuggling of tobacco and cigarettes occurred between 2024 and 2026. expres.mk · republika.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Six individuals were arrested during the operation. expres.mk · republika.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Criminal charges were filed against eight individuals, including two Turkish citizens. expres.mk · republika.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police conducted raids in Skopje, Tetovo, and Gevgelija on September 21, 2026. expres.mk · republika.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The illegal plantation was located in a hidden part of a plot called ‘Matnik’ in the Sekirnik village area.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Police seized cannabis stems weighing approximately 680 kilograms.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The two individuals were deprived of their liberty and detained at the Strumica Police Station.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Strumica Police Station filed a criminal complaint with the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Strumica.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The suspects are accused of unauthorized production and distribution of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors under Article 215 of the Criminal Code.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Criminal charges were filed against Z. M. (34) and A. T. G. (30) from the Novo Selo municipality.