Investigation into fraud and money laundering at a vehicle inspection center in Skopje, budget loses €2.2 million

The Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into six people from Skopje suspected of fraud and money laundering through two companies: one that conducted vehicle inspections and another that operated as a vehicle insurance broker.

According to the investigation, the suspects prepared fictitious payment slips during vehicle inspection procedures, which were subsequently approved and processed by the responsible individuals. The payments did not go into the state treasury’s account but into the accounts of their companies, causing losses to the state budget.

The Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office said the offenses were committed between January 1, 2021, and January 20, 2026. During this period, the first suspect is alleged to have embezzled more than 138 million denars for personal gain, while the others helped him commit the crime.

Among those under investigation is the assistant director for finance at the Public Enterprise “State Roads.”

Investigators allege that the accountant entered inaccurate account information in documents, concealing the true amount of revenue and profits. Meanwhile, the assistant director for finance at the PE “State Roads” failed to verify the invoices as required by her duties and, throughout this period, informed the owner of the vehicle inspection center about her actions and the financial gains.

Through this scheme, the organized criminal group is suspected of causing the state losses of more than €2.2 million, which it unlawfully appropriated. The funds were transferred to the bank accounts of sister companies and subsequently used to purchase real estate.

The Prosecutor’s Office has requested pretrial detention for three of the suspects.