Former North Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski has accused his successor, Zoran Zaev, of corruption and money laundering, alleging that a significant portion of the funds for an €600 million ($645 million) skyscraper project in Dubai were obtained illegally.
In a statement, Gruevski claimed the money was amassed through “massive racketeering and abuse of power” during Zaev’s tenure and later transferred in cash via private jet to Dubai, where it was allegedly deposited in bank accounts.
Gruevski, who fled North Macedonia in 2018 to avoid serving a prison sentence for corruption-related charges, further alleged that Zaev is planning another major investment in an unspecified Asian country, emboldened by what he described as “guarantees of impunity.”
He also accused Zaev’s administration of corruption across various sectors, including energy, pharmaceuticals during the COVID-19 crisis, and political persecution of opponents. According to Gruevski, Macedonian citizens will “never forget the betrayal of national interests” and will demand accountability for alleged organized crime.
Zaev, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, has denied the accusations, calling them “completely false” in comments to local media outlet Sloboden Pechat.
There has been no official response from relevant institutions regarding the claims. / BV