Eight inspectors charged over the “Pulse” case, suspected of failing to carry out inspections for years

A criminal complaint has been filed with the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Kochani against S. Sh. S. (53) from Makedonski Brod, S. Gj. (59) from Skopje, as well as Z. M. (64), S. Z. (61), T. K. (42), N. D. (43), G. P. (41) and M. Z. S. (44), all from Kochani. They are suspected of the criminal offense of “negligent work in service.”

According to the information in the complaint, in the period from 2022 until March 16, 2025, the suspects, as officials at the State Labor Inspectorate, although legally obliged to carry out inspection supervision, did not in any case initiate proceedings ex officio to inspect the hospitality venue “Pulse” in Kochani.

The police emphasize that, although it was the only establishment of this kind in the territory of the Municipality of Kochani during a 13-year period, not a single inspection had been carried out there, contrary to the obligations arising from the Law on Inspection Supervision.

The complaint states that this failure to act meant the illegal operation of the establishment was not prevented, while employees were exposed to risk because they were working in a space that had not been inspected for occupational safety and health conditions, as well as for compliance with the basic rights arising from the employment relationship.

According to the police, through this failure to act, the “Pulse” establishment was enabled to unlawfully continue carrying out hospitality activities and secure unlawful financial gain in the total amount of 1,255,977 denars.

This criminal complaint marks the continuation of the investigation into possible institutional responsibility linked to the operation of the “Pulse” nightclub, which has become the focus of investigative authorities after the tragic fire that occurred at the venue.