# Artan Grubi and seven others charged in State Lottery case

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/artan-grubi-state-lottery-corruption-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-15T13:37:07.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 4.

The investigation into former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi has progressed to formal charges. On August 13, 2026, the Skopje Basic Public Prosecutor's Office filed charges against eight individuals, including Grubi, former State Lottery Director Perparim Bajrami, and former Government Secretary Metodija Dimovski, for abuse of position and official authorization.

Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and 2024, the group bypassed legal restrictions to independently organize electronic games on video lottery terminals and procure equipment. The prosecution claims the State Lottery lacked the authority to organize these games, as that right had been transferred as a non-monetary contribution in 2013 to a joint venture with Casinos Austria. The alleged actions resulted in estimated damages of approximately 507.6 million denars (roughly 8.2 million euros).

Political reactions have intensified following the indictment. While the BDI party has characterized the charges as “politically motivated” and called for international oversight, the Levica party has criticized the ruling VMRO-DPMNE, labeling the proceedings a “reshel” (disgrace). Levica specifically questioned a reduction in the legal qualification of the crime, noting that while initial investigations in December 2024 suggested misappropriation carrying a sentence of four to twenty years, the current indictment carries a maximum penalty of only five years.

Grubi remains in custody until October 13. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 24.

## Claims

- The Skopje Basic Public Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against eight individuals for abuse of position and official authorization. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The alleged actions caused approximately 507.6 million denars (roughly 8.2 million euros) in damages to the State Lottery. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The accused allegedly bypassed the fact that the State Lottery lacked the right to organize electronic games on video lottery terminals. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The right to organize such games was previously invested in 2013 as a non-monetary contribution to a joint company with Casinos Austria. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The BDI party has called for international oversight and transparency, expressing concern that the charges may be politically motivated. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Artan Grubi faces charges in State Lottery corruption case

Former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi has been charged with abuse of office regarding the State Lottery case in North Macedonia, sparking political criticism over reduced legal penalties.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/artan-grubi-faces-charges-in-state-lottery-corruption-case

### 2026-08-13: Artan Grubi and seven others charged in State Lottery abuse case

Eight individuals, including former Deputy PM Artan Grubi, face charges for alleged abuse of office causing 8.2 million euros in damages to the North Macedonian State Lottery.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/state-lottery-scandal-eight-individuals-charged-in-north-macedonia

### 2026-08-10: Artan Grubi under investigation for State Lottery irregularities

Former North Macedonian Deputy PM Artan Grubi is under investigation for alleged State Lottery irregularities involving 8 million euros in damages, amid calls for judicial independence and transparency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/artan-grubi-under-investigation-for-state-lottery-irregularities

### 2026-08-07: Artan Grubi faces expiring house arrest amid Lottery corruption probe

The investigation into former Deputy PM Artan Grubi regarding the State Lottery scandal faces a critical deadline, as his house arrest expires without an indictment being filed by the prosecution.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arton-grubi-may-be-freed-as-house-arrest-deadline-expires-in-macedonia

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Cite as: Artan Grubi and seven others charged in State Lottery case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/artan-grubi-state-lottery-corruption-investigation