Skopje, 22 July 2025 (MIA) - The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office has submitted an indictment against 36 individuals accused of a series of criminal acts in a case dubbed “Syndrome” related to the illegal mediation for acquiring rights to caregiving benefits and disability pensions in exchange for sums ranging from EUR 150 to EUR 5,000. The accused, including doctors, a lawyer, and public officials, acted through two organized criminal groups, abusing their official positions for personal gain, the Prosecutor's Office said.

The Prosecutor’s Office said Tuesday it filed the indictment against 36 people following an investigation initiated in late April.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the accused were organized into two criminal groups which, throughout 2023 and up to April 2024, mediated and unlawfully enabled the acquisition of caregiving benefits and disability pensions in exchange for financial compensation. The price for these services ranged from EUR 150 to EUR 5,000, depending on the type and duration of the benefit being granted.

The organizers and members of the groups used their official positions and real influence to unlawfully issue medical opinions and decisions in favor of the applicants. In doing so, they circumvented provisions of the Law on Social Protection.

Thirteen of the accused have settled with the prosecution so far, the Prosecutor’s Office said.  

MIA file photo