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2 clusters · 26 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Corruption investigation in North Macedonia

Overview

A driver employed by the Government of North Macedonia’s General Secretariat, identified as 49-year-old D. C., was arrested on September 4, 2026, on suspicion of bribery and illegal influence. The individual allegedly demanded 1,500 euros from a citizen to mediate a firefighter employment position in the City of Skopje. Authorities arrested the suspect while he was handing over 500 euros of marked funds.

A judge has ordered 30 days of pretrial detention to prevent flight, witness tampering, or the possibility of repeating the offense. The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption is investigating the crime of ‘receiving a reward for unlawful influence’ as part of a stated commitment to an ‘uncompromising fight against corruption,’ with the Government emphasizing that ‘laws apply to everyone.’

The incident has escalated into a political dispute. While General Secretary Igor Janusev has distanced himself from the incident, claiming the driver's actions were ‘entirely personal,’ the opposition party, SDSM, is calling for a broader investigation into Janusev. The opposition has questioned whether the driver acted as an intermediary for the General Secretary. Janusev has denied any involvement, characterizing the allegations as a ‘political construction.’

Entities

Government of North Macedonia · Ministry of Internal Affairs · Igor Janusev · Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruptu · Skopje

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [CRIME] 19 sources
    North Macedonia government driver arrested for alleged bribery

    A government driver in North Macedonia has been arrested for allegedly seeking 1,500 euros to broker a firefighting job. The suspect is in 30-day detention amid calls for wider investigations.

  2. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 8 sources
    North Macedonia transport minister addresses driver licensing and fake news

    Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski urged Macedonian transport companies to ignore fake news and noted that EU recognition of professional drivers allows for long-term visas in the Schengen Area.

Sources

alfa.mk · brif.mk · expres.mk · lajmi.net · libertas.mk · lider.mk · lokalno.mk · makpress.mk · nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · opserver.mk · plusinfo.mk · press24.mk · racin.mk · skopskoeho.mk · telegrafi.com · tetovasot.com · utrinskivesnik.mk · vecer.mk · vesnik.com · viki.mk · vocentar.com · vreme.mk · zhurnal.mk · zoom.mk · zurnal.mk

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history