Skopje, 11 September 2025 (MIA) — The Primary Public Prosecutor's Office has charged three people with environmental crimes for burning electronic waste, shells of cars, old batteries and other car parts for scrap metal at illegal dumping sites in the Vardarishte area, where an uncontrollable blaze broke out on July 9.

According to the PPO in a press release, the three defendants had been illegally burning waste for scrap metal between 2020 and Sept. 2, 2025. 

"According to evidence, they dropped and illegally transported waste to illegal dumping sites, which were discovered when a fire broke out," the release said.

"Through these illegal activities, the defendants harmed the quality of the soil and air and endangered people's lives and health," it added.

The three defendants have been detained and have been charged with the crime of Endangering the Environment and Nature with Waste under Article 230, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.

No criminal charges have been filed related to the fire at the Drisla landfill but the situation is being monitored, the PPO said. mr/