Financial Crime World

Title: Macedonia’s Finance Minister Takes Temporary Charge Amidst Anti-Corruption Investigations and Arrests

PM Zaev Assumes Role as Finance Minister to Approve New Cabinet

In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev of the Republic of North Macedonia temporarily assumed the role of Finance Minister while continuing to hold the position of Prime Minister. The Parliament was scheduled to approve new cabinet members, including Zaev’s appointment as Finance Minister. However, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) intervened, preventing Zaev from holding both roles simultaneously.

Former Minister Arrested for Embezzlement in ‘Skopje 2014’ Project

Former Minister of Transport and Communications, Mile Janakieski, was arrested on charges of embezzlement related to the “Skopje 2014” project. Janakieski is alleged to have conspired with notaries, administrative officers, and public officials in fraudulent land transfers for the construction of the Spanish steps. The suspects face potential charges of abusing public positions, unscrupulous work, and embezzlement, totaling approximately 2 million euros.

2018 North Macedonia Country Report Highlights Corruption Progress and Recommendations

The European Commission published the annual North Macedonia Country Report for 2018, acknowledging progress in investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption cases but urging more focus on combating corruption at a national level. The report advised enhancing efforts to address money laundering and terrorism financing concerns.

Court Sentences 16 Former Government Officials Following 2017 Protests

North Macedonia’s courts sentenced 16 former government officials for their involvement in the violent protests in 2017, where about 200 protesters entered parliament to oppose the election of a new speaker. Among those convicted was former Interior Minister Mitko Cavkov, who received an 18-year sentence for “terrorist endangerment of the constitutional order and security.”

Wide-ranging Corruption Investigation Involving VMRO-DPMNE

The Macedonian special prosecutor’s office uncovered a far-reaching corruption investigation involving the former ruling right-wing party, VMRO-DPMNE. The probe includes allegations of money laundering, extortion, and illicit land deals. Former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, along with other officials such as former Transport Minister Mile Janakieski and Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, face charges.

  • Former Head of the Administration for Security and Counterintelligence, Sasho Mijalkov, was held in custody on election irregularities charges and was indicted in another case for the wiretapping of government officials, politicians, businessmen, and journalists. Mijalkov did not attend the trial for the latter case due to insufficient time to issue an order for his placement in the investigative prison.
  • The status of the alleged house arrest of Orce Kamcev, the wealthiest man in the country, and his business associates in the “Empire” case involving criminal association, fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering remains under scrutiny.
  • Former Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski and former government Secretary-General Kiril Bozinovski requested and were granted house arrest in separate cases under investigation.