North Macedonia: REK Bitola corruption suspects face house arrest

The Basic Court in Bitola, North Macedonia, rejected the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s request to detain two suspects involved in criminal offenses related to public procurement at REK Bitola, instead imposing house arrest, CE Report quotes MIA.

The Prosecutor disagrees with this decision, citing risks of flight, especially since one suspect holds significant assets abroad, and plans to appeal for effective detention.

The investigation targets eight individuals and one legal entity suspected of extended criminal offenses including abuse of official position and misuse of public procurement procedures. The case involves the organization and execution of public procurement for relocation of production units in 2023, which allegedly caused illegal financial gain of over 106 million North Macedonian denars by the company involved.

Some suspects are current or former officials of REK Bitola, including the former director, already detained in another case. Others will face precautionary measures like passport confiscation and periodic court appearances.

Photo: MIA archive