Skopje, 1 March 2024 (MIA) - The Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and Corruption has indicted Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko over the procurement of a luxury official vehicle "Audi" back in 2019.

"Ramiz Merko has been indicted at the initiative of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC). The pre-investigative procedure was arduous and we have finally collected enough evidence. The indictment relates to 'abuse of office' over the 'Audi' procurement," said prosecutors.

In 2020, the SCPC filed an initiative for Merko's criminal prosecution over the procurement of passenger vehicles, including an "Audi A6" worth EUR 67,000. The prosecutor's office closed the case during the pre-investigative stage, despite audit reports that the tender was carried out while the municipality was in financial difficulties.

In June 2023, Merko was designated by the U.S. State Department for involvement in significant corruption, saying he "misappropriated funds and interfered with judicial and other public processes, damaging the public’s faith in North Macedonia’s democratic institutions and officials."

MIA file photo