Skopje prosecutors charge 27 people in driver's license forgery scheme

The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Skopje has filed criminal charges against 27 individuals involved in a scheme to illegally issue driver's licenses with fraudulent categories. The investigation, led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Department for Internal Control, revealed that an employee at the Skopje Administrative Department used official credentials to manipulate the electronic system. Between September 2020 and August 2026, the suspect allegedly deleted existing requests and created new ones to grant driving categories, such as C and D (trucks and buses), to individuals who did not meet the legal requirements.

The scheme involved four intermediaries who acted as brokers, connecting interested clients with the Ministry official. At least 21 people received fraudulent licenses, some of whom used them for international transport of passengers and goods. Police have conducted searches at 32 locations, including homes and Ministry offices, to secure evidence.

Currently, seven suspects are at large, while the prosecutor has requested detention for three individuals, including the Ministry employee and two drivers who used the licenses for international transport. Measures of precaution have been proposed for 17 other individuals.