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6 clusters · 17 sources · 51 days · First seen · Last updated

Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial

Overview

The corruption trial of former appellate judge Djoko Ristov has progressed through the presentation of intercepted communications and financial forensics. Prosecutors allege Ristov was involved in bribery related to the ‘Orient’ case, involving charges of organized crime, money laundering, and drug possession.

Evidence presented by prosecutor Iskra Hadzivasileva suggests that Ristov’s wife, Simona Ristova—a former state attorney—facilitated meetings between the judge and individuals with pending cases in the Appellate Court. Intercepted conversations between Edin Sheapi and Ali Arifi indicate attempts to coordinate these meetings, including one reportedly organized near the Croatian Embassy. The scope of the investigation expanded after the discovery of undeclared cash; while initial reports focused on €350,000 found in a wall at Ristov’s family home in Negotino, prosecutors now allege Ristov and his family controlled funds totaling approximately €1.5 million. The defense maintains the disputed amount is closer to €570,000.

During proceedings at the Criminal Court in Skopje, testimony has addressed the origin of the funds and family assets. Donka Ristova, the judge’s mother, testified that the €350,000 consisted of 250,000 euros in 50-euro notes and 100,000 euros in larger denominations, representing personal savings from decades of manual labor and agricultural sales. Additionally, the father of Ristov’s wife testified regarding the €70,000 cash contribution his family made toward a €140,000 apartment purchase.

On September 30, 2026, the Judicial Council officially dismissed Ristov from his position as an Appeal Court judge. Despite being in pre-trial detention since January 18, 2026, Ristov will receive his full salary for September. Ristov’s spouse has publicly stated that the Council's decision was not unexpected and alleged that the members of the Judicial Council acted under pressure.

Entities

Gjoko Ristov · Negotino · Djoko Ristov · Skopje Criminal Court · Criminal Court in Skopje

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Skopje court hears testimony in trial of Judge Gjoko Ristov

    Testimony in the trial of appellate judge Gjoko Ristov in Skopje detailed the shared financing of a luxury apartment and addressed the discovery of 350,000 euros in undeclared cash at his parents' home.

  2. [CRIME] 6 sources
    Mother of Judge Gjoko Ristov testifies on origin of 350,000 euros

    The mother of judge Gjoko Ristov testified in court, claiming 350,000 euros found in their Negotino home were lifelong savings from agricultural work and manual labor.

  3. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Judicial Council dismisses Judge Gjoko Ristov amid corruption trial

    The Judicial Council has dismissed Appeal Court judge Gjoko Ristov, who faces trial over allegations of hiding €350,000 in undeclared cash in a wall at his family home.

  4. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Gjoko Ristov trial continues in Skopje Criminal Court

    The trial of North Macedonian Appeals Court judge Gjoko Ristov continued in Skopje, with witnesses providing conflicting accounts regarding a mobile phone repair and a police raid.

  5. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Djoko Ristov corruption case expands to 1.5 million euros

    A corruption investigation into Appellate Judge Djoko Ristov has escalated, involving allegations of 1.5 million euros in unexplained wealth and high-profile political contacts found in his phone.

  6. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Djoko Ristov corruption trial: Evidence of bribery and facilitated meetings presented

    The corruption trial of former appellate judge Djoko Ristov continues, with prosecutors presenting evidence that his wife facilitated meetings for suspected bribery related to organized crime cases.

Sources

a1on.mk · koha.mk · libertas.mk · nacionalno.mk · nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · plusinfo.mk · portalb.mk · racin.mk · shenja.tv · skopskoeho.mk · ts.mk · utrinskivesnik.mk · vesnik.com · vreme.mk · zhurnal.mk · zurnal.mk

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history