Skopje, 20 November 2025 (MIA) - Chief public prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski said Thursday a preliminary investigation is underway involving Public Revenue Office employees and in connection to the deadly nightclub fire in Kochani.

“Dozens of people have been detained today, and searches are currently underway. At this moment, I can say that the people in question are Public Revenue Office employees. Initial suspicions point to abuses of official duty and authority, as well as giving and accepting bribes,” Kocevski said.

Kocevski noted that the investigation is related to the case about the Kochani nightclub, and that electronic communications and messages have been secured concerning some of the detained.

The head prosecutor said he cannot currently name the detained individuals, and added that a decision on potential measures against the suspects will be made after the suspects are questioned.

The case will be led by the Prosecutor’s Office in Kochani.

“If there are any new developments, the case could be taken over by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prosecuting Organized Crime and Corruption, but for now, the Prosecutor’s Office in Kochani is in charge,” Kocevski said.

Photo: MIA