Skopje, 6 September 2026 (MIA) -- Prosecutors have launched an investigation into an employee of the government’s Office for General and Common Affairs on suspicion of receiving a reward for illegal influence under Article 359 of the Criminal Code.

According to the Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecuting Organized Crime and Corruption, the suspect, who worked as a driver for a senior government official, demanded EUR 1,500 from a citizen between July 24 and Sept. 4 to use his alleged influence with City of Skopje officials regarding firefighter recruitment.

The citizen reported the case. Anti-corruption authorities coordinated with the prosecution to secure evidence and on Sept. 4, 2026, the suspect was caught receiving EUR 500 in marked bills as part of the requested bribe. 

Citing a flight risk, potential witness tampering or repeating the crime, the prosecutor requested a detention order for the suspect. A pre-trial judge granted the request and ordered a 30-day detention.

Earlier Sunday, the Ministry of Interior announced that following a citizen's report, D.C., a driver employed by the government’s Office for General and Common Affairs, was arrested after accepting previously marked money. mr/