Gostivar: 60-year-old arrested on suspicion of forcing his 80-year-old mother to beg

A 60-year-old man from Gostivar has been arrested on suspicion of forcing his 80-year-old mother, who uses a wheelchair, to beg on the streets over an extended period and then taking the money she collected for his own needs.

On November 6, 2026, the National Unit for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking filed a criminal complaint against N.N. (60), from Gostivar, on suspicion of committing the criminal offense of human trafficking.

The investigation has raised suspicions that during 2025 and 2026, the suspect exploited his mother’s poor health and dependence on him. Because of her physical disability, the 80-year-old was unable to carry out daily activities on her own.

The 60-year-old allegedly took his mother repeatedly to a location in Gostivar and forced her to beg. He stayed nearby to monitor and control her and, after she collected money, allegedly took it from her by force for his personal use.

Acting on a warrant issued by the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje, police searched the suspect’s home and other premises in Gostivar, where they also arrested him.

During the operation, authorities temporarily seized mobile phones and money suspected of being linked to the criminal offense.

The relevant authorities are continuing to investigate the case.