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State Lottery investigation reveals embezzlement of 80 million denars
The State Lottery in North Macedonia is facing a major investigation following allegations of significant financial embezzlement. Prosecutors have charged two employees—the head of the finance sector and the head of financial affairs—with embezzling approximately 80 million denars (roughly 1.3 million euros). The suspects allegedly misappropriated daily turnover from sales outlets instead of depositing it into the company's accounts. One suspect is in custody, while the other is under house arrest.
State Lottery Director Aleksandar Klimovski stated that he alerted the Financial Police after the State Audit Office identified ‘cash leakage’ during a 2024 review. He noted that an investigation into the 2023 fiscal year is also underway to determine the total amount of missing funds.
Political opposition party Levica has criticized the management, questioning the legality of a 300 million denar payment to Geta-Antropol. The party argues that the director is attempting to bypass standard shareholder approval procedures by relying solely on a government minute, asserting that the government cannot use its role as a sole shareholder to circumvent legal protocols for managing public capital.
Entities
Aleksandar Andonov · Aleksandar Klimovski · Financial Police · Geta · Levica · Sanja Božinovska · State Audit Office · State Lottery
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Levica political party claims the government is attempting to bypass legal procedures for fund disposal. a1on.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] VLT terminals purchased by State Lottery were never put into operation and remain in warehouses. 360stepeni.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] State Lottery Director Aleksandar Klimovski stated that government minutes are binding. a1on.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government is allegedly using a meeting minute to justify the allocation of 300 million denars to Geta. a1on.mk