Skopje court hears testimony in trial of Judge Gjoko Ristov

During a hearing at the Criminal Court in Skopje, the father of appellate judge Gjoko Ristov’s wife testified regarding the purchase of a 150-square-meter apartment valued at approximately 140,000 euros. The witness stated that during a family meeting, it was agreed that both families would split the financing equally, with his side contributing 70,000 euros in cash. He further noted that a notarized statement intended for the property to eventually be registered in the name of his grandson.

Expert witness Emilio Friščić also testified regarding disputed documents and handwriting. He explained that while skin contact with paper can leave epithelial cells for DNA testing, such traces may be absent if gloves are worn. The expert identified Ristov’s mother as the author of handwritten notes found among banknotes.

This testimony follows a January 2026 search at the judge’s parents' home in Negotino, where authorities reportedly discovered 350,000 euros in cash. The Public Prosecutor's Office stated that there was no evidence regarding the origin of these funds, which had not been declared.