# North Macedonia organized crime prosecution developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-organized-crime-prosecution-developments > Updated: 2026-10-09T18:51:32.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. In North Macedonia, legal developments involving the prosecution of organized crime and corruption have emerged. A senior prosecutor from the Bitola Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office is under investigation for allegedly receiving rewards to exert unlawful influence. Authorities suspect the 61-year-old individual used his position to pressure colleagues and judges to issue lower sentences or favorable legal positions in at least four criminal cases. Following court-ordered searches, law enforcement seized electronic devices, and the suspect faces precautionary measures including a passport seizure and a ban on certain professional activities. Concurrently, the Basic Public Prosecution for the Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption is undergoing a leadership transition following the end of Islam Abazi’s four-year mandate. Five candidates—Faton Azizi, Trajçe Pelivanov, Lidija Raiçeviq, Iskra Haxhi Vasileva, and Jovan Cvetanovski—have entered the race to lead the unit. An election via direct and secret ballot is scheduled for October 28. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-09: North Macedonia prosecutors vie for organized crime unit leadership Five prosecutors are competing to succeed Islam Abazi as head of North Macedonia’s Organized Crime and Corruption Prosecution, with elections set for October 28. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-jurisprudence-exam-begins-amid-language-rights-debate ### 2026-10-07: Bitola prosecutor faces investigation for corruption and unlawful influence A senior prosecutor in Bitola, North Macedonia, faces investigation for allegedly using his position to influence judicial decisions in at least four cases in exchange for rewards. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bitola-senior-prosecutor-investigated-for-corruption-and-unlawful-influence --- Cite as: North Macedonia organized crime prosecution developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-organized-crime-prosecution-developments