Skopje, 16 December 2024 (MIA) - A public prosecutor ordered an investigation against 18 persons, members of "Belanoca-Baron" crime ring, suspected for murder, criminal association, crimes against general security and extortion.

The months-long pre-investigative procedure by a prosecutor and the investigative center within the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and Corruption and the Ministry of Interior, resulted in an operation late on Sunday in the municipalities of Chair, Arachinovo, Shuto Orizari, Butel and Studenichani.

Police carried out searches at 30 locations, finding larger amounts of cash, gold, firearms and other items, with four persons detained and one handing over in a police station. Searches are ongoing at several locations.

According to the search order, the prime suspect, who is currently serving a prison sentence, along with four others (two already in detention, one arrested and one deceased) formed a group in order to commit the crime of murder. The other suspects, other unidentified individuals and now-deceased persons also joined the group. The ring leaders planned and decided who, where, when and how would someone be neutralized, committing the crimes by themselves or by ring members, paying EUR 10,000-25,000 per kill. For the purpose of supporting a radical movement in the country or revenge against persons from an adversarial crime ring, eight people were killed between 2020-2024, with three others severely injured and the lives of another three endangered.

Evidence also suggests involvement of the prime suspect and another two persons in a 2016 murder in Singelikj settlement. In addition, the group committed extortion on several occasions in 2023 and 2024 through intimidation, arson and racketeering.

According to the collected evidence, one of the group organizers, who is currently serving a prison sentence, committed crimes against general security by incinerating three vehicles of police officers after being prevented from loansharking and drug distribution in the prison.

The prosecutor will request detention for the four persons who have been detained, three suspects are currently serving prison sentences, while two others are detained for other crimes. The person who handed himself in is also under precautionary measures, two are listed on international arrest warrants, whereas six are still at large.

MIA file photo