Toshkovski: The operation in Prilep dismantled a criminal group operating in Macedonia and the EU

Interior Minister Pance Toshkovski said that the police operation carried out yesterday in Prilep led to the dismantling of a significant organized crime group. According to the Ministry of Interior, the investigation was conducted for more than a year in cooperation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and foreign partner services.

Speaking to “Radio Lider,” Toshkovski said the case involved a very serious criminal group, part of which had operated for more than 15 years without being detected by law enforcement agencies.

During yesterday’s operation, around thirty searches were carried out, while approximately 21 people are expected to be included in the initial criminal complaint to be processed during the day. The procedures are being conducted urgently, under the orders of the public prosecutor.

Authorities suspect that some members of the group also operated in Greece, specifically in the areas of Halkidiki and Kallithea. The investigation concerns serious crimes against property, including aggravated theft.

According to the information gathered during the investigation, some of the suspects also committed criminal offenses in Spain. A person who had been under house arrest in that country had escaped, but has now been apprehended by the country’s police, and the relevant proceedings are being pursued against him.

Toshkovski stressed that the group had operated for years not only in Macedonia but also in European Union member states. He added that, following more than a year of coordinated work by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the group had been placed under investigation and dealt with by the authorities.

The investigation also includes suspicions that some of the criminal offenses were facilitated by police officers who allegedly passed information to members of the group. For this reason, several police officers suspected of cooperating with the suspects were also searched during the operation.

The minister also revealed that, several months ago, French police arrested a close family member of one of the suspects. Ten kilograms of cocaine were found in a vehicle compartment, which, according to the information presented by Toshkovski, was intended to be brought into Macedonia.

Yesterday’s searches also led to the seizure of cash worth more than 120,000-130,000 euros and around ten vehicles. Among them were two Maseratis and two luxury Land Rovers. Authorities suspect that one of the vehicles is connected to forged documentation. The investigation continues today.