A bodyguard of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who was until recently part of his security detail, has been placed in pre-trial detention at Skopje Prison, confirmed the facility’s director, Boban Utkovski.
Skopje’s Criminal Court ordered a 30-day detention for Angel Saramakov, who is suspected of disclosing classified information, a criminal offense under Article 360 of the Criminal Code.
The Interior Ministry (MVR) reported that on March 30, following intelligence indicating the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, officers from the Internal Control, Criminal Investigations, and Professional Standards Department, in coordination with the Organized Crime Prosecution (OJO GOKK), conducted a police operation in Veles. Investigators searched homes, vehicles, and individuals in the area under the jurisdiction of the Veles Police Department.
The Ministry of Interior stated: “During the police operation and the undertaken measures and activities, in the parking lot in front of a hotel in Veles, a BMW vehicle was found containing A.S., a police officer in the Department for Protection of Certain Persons and Facilities, and B.K. A search of the vehicle revealed a backpack with official materials from the Ministry of Interior, and mobile phones were seized from the individuals, after which they were detained. Furthermore, investigative measures confirmed that the police officer acted contrary to the laws and bylaws of the Ministry of Interior, unlawfully possessing official materials and disclosing them to third parties outside the ministry, thereby committing a criminal offense under Article 360 of the Criminal Code,” MVR stated.
Authorities said Saramakov was apprehended in a BMW in a hotel parking lot in Veles, along with another individual identified as B.K. A backpack containing official ministry documents was found in the vehicle, and both individuals’ mobile phones were seized. Additional searches at multiple locations led to the confiscation of electronic devices, official documents, and other materials relevant to the investigation.
According to the Internal Control Department, Saramakov allegedly violated ministry regulations by unlawfully possessing official materials and sharing them with third parties. A criminal complaint against him for unauthorized disclosure of classified information was submitted to the Organized Crime Prosecution on March 31, MVR said.
Local media reported that the leaked information was allegedly sold to members of a criminal clan from Grchec, whose head has escaped year ago. The government emphasized that the investigation would determine the full extent of the case and stated that the prime minister’s security was not compromised.
“The prime minister’s security is not at risk. The investigation is ongoing. For the first time in the country’s history, a member of the prime minister’s security team has been arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offense,” government spokesperson Marija Miteva told Skopje1.
Saramakov, who joined Mickoski’s security team after the government transition, faces charges under paragraph 2 of Article 360 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates a minimum sentence of one year in prison, with a potential maximum of up to 20 years if the offense was committed for financial gain or with intent to use the data abroad.
The arrest has sparked political controversy. The opposition Social Democratic Union (SDSM) accused Mickoski’s security detail of being infiltrated by criminals and questioned whether Saramakov acted alone or on orders. They also referenced past incidents involving Mickoski’s security team, including allegations of obstructing police anti-narcotics operations.
The ruling VMRO-DPMNE party dismissed the accusations, stating that SDSM was attempting to deflect attention from its own past scandals. They emphasized that the rule of law applies equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
