[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-08 10:43 UTC → 2026-10-22 11:18 UTC · added removed

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 €350,000 in the discovery of undeclared cash was discovered hidden cash; while initial reports focused on €350,000 found in a wall at Ristov’s family home in Negotino. This discovery followed Negotino, prosecutors now allege Ristov and his family controlled funds totaling approximately €1.5 million. The defense maintains the conviction of attorney Fehmi Stafa, who was caught receiving €50,000 allegedly intended for Ristov. disputed amount is closer to €570,000. During recent proceedings at the Criminal Court in Skopje, the defense testimony has contested addressed the origin of the funds. 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. She claimed the money represented denominations, representing personal savings accumulated over from decades through of manual labor and agricultural sales, such as peppers, melons, and nuts, which her husband had exchanged from German marks into euros. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-22 11:18 UTC Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial
  2. 2026-10-08 10:43 UTC Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial
  3. 2026-10-03 13:21 UTC Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial
  4. 2026-09-15 20:02 UTC Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial
  5. 2026-09-04 05:19 UTC Djoko Ristov judicial corruption trial

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.