Skopje, 11 December 2024 (MIA) - The Skopje-based Criminal Court ordered a 30-day detention for former Power Plants of North Macedonia (ESM) director Vasko Stefanov and seven other suspects in the case dubbed "Additives" involving the procurement of additives for mining-energy complex (REK) Bitola and thermal power plant (TEC) Oslomej and obtaining illegal assets of up to EUR 6.5 million.

Pre-trial judges proceeded upon the motion of the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and Corruption for detention and precautionary measures against 23 persons suspected in the operation, deciding to order a 30-day detention for eight persons due to flight risk, influencing witnesses and repeating the crime, while one suspect given house arrest due to his age.

The court ordered 13 suspects to surrender their passports and report to the court, while also banning them to maintain contacts and undertake activities related to the crime.

Regarding suspect Vasko Kovachevski, who has not been detained, the public prosecutor filed a motion for precautionary measures, namely surrendering the passport, reporting to the court, ban to maintaining contacts and undertaking activities related to the crime. The court will decide on the motion once the person is in the hands of law enforcement authorities.

The court adds that clients are entitled to an appeal against the decisions.

MIA file photo