Former North Macedonian deputy prime minister Artan Grubi was detained early Monday at the Blace border crossing upon entering the country from Kosovo, the Interior Ministry said, as authorities pursue an investigation into alleged abuse of office and financial misconduct.
Police said Grubi appeared at the crossing at around 0610 local time and was immediately taken into custody under a pre-issued arrest measure. He has been held for further procedural actions, while officials declined to provide additional details about the current stage of the criminal proceedings.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje had earlier requested pre-trial detention once he was located, as part of an investigation linked to the operations of the state lottery. Investigators suspect that decisions and contracts made in 2023 caused financial damage to the state budget exceeding 8 million euros through alleged unlawful appropriation of assets.
Authorities conducted searches at multiple locations in December, including premises connected to Grubi and other officials, securing evidence they say points to irregular procurement procedures and the favouring of specific economic operators.
Interior Minister Panče Toškovski previously confirmed that criminal charges had been submitted to prosecutors against several former senior officials, including a former prime minister, without elaborating on individual responsibility.
Among those mentioned in connection with the broader case is former prime minister Dimitar Kovačevski, though prosecutors have not said whether formal charges have been filed against him.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said earlier that Grubi had left the country for Kosovo in a vehicle with diplomatic plates, calling on him to return and face judicial institutions.
Grubi has denied wrongdoing, stating in earlier remarks that he had not fled but was abroad on a private visit and would return after completing his obligations.
U.S. Sanctions Designation
Grubi was previously designated by the United States over allegations of involvement in significant corruption and interference in judicial processes, according to U.S. authorities. The designation placed him on a U.S. sanctions list, restricting his access to U.S. jurisdiction and signaling Washington’s concerns over governance and rule-of-law issues in the country.
Additional Proceedings
Separately, prosecutors opened a case in December to examine potential criminal liability involving appellate judge Enver Bexheti in relation to claims of influence over court proceedings tied to former secret police chief Sašo Mijalkov.
Under North Macedonia’s criminal code, abuse of official position and misappropriation by a public official can carry prison sentences ranging from six months to five years, depending on the severity of the offense.
Authorities said further procedural steps would follow Grubi’s detention as the investigation continues. He has not issued a new public statement since being taken into custody.