ASK uncovers pro-Russian propaganda network in North Macedonia, suspected of spreading racist and xenophobic materials

In cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office (BPPO), the National Security Agency (ASK) has launched action to identify and stop a propaganda network in North Macedonia. According to ASK, the network is pursuing a destructive and malicious agenda aimed at influencing public debate in line with foreign interests.

The investigation involves a North Macedonian citizen suspected of having links to foreign structures that have created a propaganda apparatus and a group of portals operating in the country’s media space. His home was searched, during which evidence was found and seized. The evidence is now undergoing further examination.

Authorities assess that the individuals behind this network, which operates in the service of Russian interests, are hiding behind cloned pseudo-portals using North Macedonian domains. They publish fake news and disinformation through these portals, while current events are presented through altered narratives, damaging trust in institutions and inciting ethnic and national hatred and intolerance, reports “TV21.”

ASK announced that the joint operation with the MIA and the BPPO was conducted on 18.09.2026, when investigative measures were taken against the North Macedonian citizen linked to the creators of this propaganda apparatus. The actions were undertaken amid suspicions that he may have committed criminal offenses related to unlawful influence on public discourse.

The suspicions include the criminal offenses of “Causing national, racial and religious hatred, division and intolerance,” provided for under Article 319 of the Criminal Code; “Disclosing an official secret,” under Article 360; and “Disseminating racist and xenophobic material through a computer system,” under Article 394-g of the Criminal Code.

The agency stated that the activities of this network are part of pro-Russian hybrid activities identified in the past as well. In an earlier case, a criminal complaint was filed against a North Macedonian citizen linked to these structures for the offense of “Disseminating racist and xenophobic material through a computer system,” based on Article 394-g of the Criminal Code.

ASK said it would continue working to uncover and prevent subversive and propaganda activities carried out through portals linked to pro-Russian regional political structures. According to the agency, these activities are directly aimed at damaging the country’s strategic European integration processes.