Macedonian law enforcement authorities have detained 20 undisclosed businessmen suspected of various criminal activities, including tax evasion, money laundering, and invoice forgery, resulting in an estimated 8 million euros in losses to the state budget.
The Skopje-based Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office disclosed on Monday that they are conducting an inquiry involving 26 individuals who own or operate 28 different companies. The operation, referred to as “Operation Chain”, led to the confiscation of numerous documents and the arrests of individuals in multiple cities.
The investigation has revealed that three individuals initiated this illicit scheme in the city of Negotino back in 2019, with the primary aim of making unlawful gains. Subsequently, they joined forces with other businesspeople who intended to profit through tax evasion and money laundering.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, those under investigation intentionally generated invoices with Value Added Tax (VAT) for the purchase of goods and services, despite these invoices not being genuinely paid.
The prosecution has requested the pretrial detention of 13 of the suspects, with one placed under house arrest, while the passports of the remaining individuals have been confiscated. Furthermore, they are seeking asset seizure for five individuals and seven companies involved.
Under the North Macedonian Penal Code, these offenses carry penalties ranging from 1 to 10 years of imprisonment.
