Skopje, 24 December 2024 (MIA) - The Skopje-based Criminal Court has rejected the appeal submitted by Artan Grubi’s defense against his 30-day detention.

On December 17, the Criminal Court ordered 30-day detention for former First Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi and the former head of State Lottery, Perparim Bajrami, who are not available to law enforcement. They are suspects in an investigation about the misappropriation of around EUR 8 million from the budget of the State Lottery.

Grubi’s current whereabouts are unknown, with initial reports saying he escaped to Kosovo, while according to more recent claims the former Deputy PM is in Albania.

The Interior Ministry has issued international arrest warrants for both Grubi and Bajrami.

It has also filed charges against a police officer who allowed Grubi to cross the border.

Photo: MIA Archive