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North Macedonia organized crime and smuggling crackdown

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What changed

2026-09-24 15:28 UTC → 2026-09-25 01:32 UTC · added removed

North Macedonian authorities have conducted large-scale operations to dismantle organized criminal networks involved in smuggling and corruption. Initial investigations focused on a group operating in Skopje, Tetovo, and Gevgelija. This group was involved in smuggling tobacco, cigarettes, and unregistered medical supplements. Authorities also uncovered a corruption scheme involving the bribery of a customs official to facilitate the movement of goods without paying duties. During these raids, police seized illicit goods and over 100,000 euros. Subsequent developments under the codename ‘Filter’ revealed a massive cigarette smuggling ring that circulated approximately 70 million illegal cigarettes, causing an estimated loss of over six million euros to the state budget. The investigation identified an international smuggling channel supported by internal assistance from bribed police and customs officers. Criminal charges have been filed against 18 individuals, including three police officers and four customs officials, alongside three companies. A follow-up coordinated operation, codenamed ‘Filter 2’, further dismantled a major smuggling ring. Spanning approximately one year, the investigation found that between January and June 2024, 69,350,000 cigarettes were illegally released into the market, resulting in an estimated loss of over 6 million euros in unpaid taxes and duties. Authorities conducted searches at 23 locations, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals, including four customs officials and two police officers. Tactics included using trucks at the Bogorodica border crossing under transit status to illegally unload cargo before exiting through Tabanovce, or using unregistered vehicles to bypass controls entirely. Criminal charges have been filed against 18 individuals and three legal entities, including shipping, transport, and import companies.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-25 01:32 UTC North Macedonia organized crime and smuggling crackdown
  2. 2026-09-24 15:28 UTC North Macedonia organized crime and smuggling crackdown

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