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North Macedonia organized crime and corruption efforts

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2026-10-01 14:15 UTC → 2026-10-01 18:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

North Macedonian officials have initiated efforts to combat organized crime and corruption. At a regional conference organized by the OSCE Mission in Skopje, government ministers called for coordinated Southeast European responses to address criminal networks operating within prison systems. Minister of Internal Affairs Panče Toshkovski noted that criminal structures maintain influence through networks even after incarceration, citing vulnerabilities like overcrowding and staff corruption. Minister of Justice Jeton Shasivari highlighted recent domestic reforms, including the creation of prison intelligence units and significant investments in facility construction. Following these discussions on institutional coordination, authorities launched an investigation into what is being described as the ‘copper mafia’. This operation seeks to identify individuals involved in illegal activities related to copper resources and determine the scale of these illicit operations. In a significant development, Interior Minister Panče Toshkovski announced the dismantling of a major organized criminal group following a large-scale police operation in Prilep. The operation, consisting of approximately 30 raids, concluded a year-long investigation conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in coordination with the Public Prosecutor and foreign partner services. The group is alleged to have operated for over 15 years, committing serious operation. While initial reports focused on property crimes and thefts across North Macedonia and several European Union member states, including Spain and ~~Greece.~~ Greece, subsequent details from raids across Prilep, Skopje, and Struga have expanded the scope of the investigation. The group is now accused of large-scale drug trafficking involving marijuana and cocaine, as well as money laundering. Authorities report the group used specialized roles to purchase real estate and disguise illicit proceeds as legal income. Seized items include narcotics, weapons, ammunition, foreign currency, and metal detectors. Investigations suggest the group’s activities expanded significantly over the last eight months, with some weapons reportedly sourced from Albania. Approximately 21 individuals are expected to be included in the initial criminal ~~indictment. Authorities are also investigating~~ indictment, and authorities continue to investigate allegations that certain police officers may have assisted the group by leaking information.

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