Skopje, 3 February 2025 (MIA) – Following the investigative proceedings in the case dubbed "Additive," and in line with efforts to expand the investigation, eight individuals from Bitola, Kichevo, and Veles were detained Monday. Prosecutors from the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Corruption led the operation, which also included a search of one location in Veles.

Based on the obtained evidence, another order has been issued to conduct an investigation against 11 individuals, with reasonable suspicion that three persons already involved in the previous investigation also committed the criminal offense of “money laundering and other income from crimes.”

Five more individuals are suspected of the same crime, with the main suspect also facing charges of “criminal association.” Furthermore, three individuals under investigation are charged with “abuse of official position and authority.”

Moreover, alongside the four legal entities already held criminally responsible, the case now includes an additional company, owned and operated by the main suspect.

The prosecution will submit a proposal to the pre-trial judge at the Criminal Court in Skopje for a detention measure for the main suspect and precautionary measures for the remaining eight suspects, while the previously imposed measures to ensure their presence remain in effect for the three suspects already under investigation.

Moreover, upon the prosecution’s request, an additional MKD 22,399,953 and one passenger motor vehicle worth MKD 4,735,000 have been seized.

Photo: MIA archive