The Criminal Court in Skopje has fully accepted a second indictment linked to the Kočani nightclub fire case, this time against Aleksandar Nacev, the real owner of the private security company Rubikon Security Solutions, which was responsible for security at the Puls nightclub where 63 people died and more than 200 were injured in March.
The indictment, filed on September 4 by the prosecution team investigating the tragedy, charges Nacev with serious crimes against public safety, the court said in a statement. He is accused as the “responsible person and actual owner” of Rubikon Security Solutions DOOEL Skopje.
The case has been assigned to Judge Biljana Smaќovska, though a trial date has not yet been set. Prosecutors allege that Nacev’s company had no formal contract for securing the Puls nightclub and that, in the aftermath of the fire, he instructed employees who were on duty that night — one of whom allegedly lacked a security license.
“Evidence gathered during the investigation shows that the accused had a leading role in the company, managed its operations, and gave direct orders to the guards working that night,” the indictment reads. It adds that following the fire, Nacev allegedly sought to establish a new company in Strumica with the same business activity to continue operations while formally concealing his role behind another person.
The indictment against Nacev is expected to be merged with the main case already filed against 34 individuals and three companies. The Public Prosecutor’s Office must request the merger before the trial begins.
The main trial in the Kočani case is scheduled to start on November 19 at the courtroom located within the Idrizovo Penitentiary near Skopje.
According to prosecutors, the deadly blaze erupted during a performance by the band DNK, in a venue that lacked basic fire safety measures. “Due to negligence over a longer period and the actions of several defendants, a fire broke out on March 16, 2025, in conditions completely unsafe for the large crowd present, causing the deaths of 63 people, serious injuries to 157, and minor injuries to 65 others,” the Prosecutor’s Office said.