Authorities in Skopje have filed criminal charges against two local officials accused of abusing public office in a major corruption case involving over €700,000.
On April 17, 2026, the Anti-Corruption Unit within the Department for Combating Organized and Serious Crime in North Macedonia submitted a criminal complaint to the Skopje Public Prosecutor’s Office against two suspects, identified as Z.D. (61) and B.B. (49). Both are accused of “abuse of official position and authority,” a serious offense under national law.
According to official documentation, Z.D. allegedly used powers granted by the Mayor of Skopje in 2021 to unlawfully benefit a private company based in Krushopek. By signing a traffic regime decision—despite lacking jurisdiction—he enabled the company to gain over 3.2 million denars. Authorities say the competence belonged to the Municipality of Saraj, not the City of Skopje.
Meanwhile, B.B., the former mayor of Saraj Municipality, is accused of facilitating a much larger незакон benefit exceeding 42.8 million denars between October 2022 and March 2023. Investigators allege he approved decisions without proper oversight, ignoring inconsistencies with the urban development plan for Gllumovë and violating multiple laws on local governance, urban planning, and construction.
The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts across the Balkans, including reforms closely watched by the EU and neighboring countries like Albania and Kosovo.