Skopje Prosecutors Investigate Albanian Officials Grubi and Bexheti After U.S. Sanctions

The Skopje Prosecutor’s Office announced on Wednesday that it has initiated an investigation against former Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Artan Grubi, and Appellate Court Judge Enver Bexheti. The move comes in the wake of the United States designating both individuals as ineligible for entry into the country over allegations of high-level corruption.

 Artan Grubi

Chief Prosecutor Lupcho Kocevski stated that the investigation aims to determine whether Grubi and Bexheti bear criminal responsibility following accusations by the U.S. Department of State. According to the U.S., both were allegedly involved in accepting bribes and obstructing judicial processes related to the conviction of Sasho Mijalkov, the former Director of the Security and Counterintelligence Directorate (DSK).

Enver Bexheti

“In response to the blacklist designations, I have initiated proceedings to collect evidence to establish the criminal liability of those named for bribery and influence peddling. The Prosecutor’s Office will issue further directives as the case progresses. I want to emphasize that our collaboration with the U.S. and its Embassy is excellent, and their support is invaluable in our fight against corruption,” Kocevski told reporters on Wednesday.

U.S. Evidence and Expectations

On Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Ageler, confirmed that evidence against the two individuals is available and accessible for Macedonian institutions to review. “What happens next depends on the country’s law enforcement and judicial system,” Ageler said during a press conference on December 10.

Kocevski also noted that legal proceedings are underway for other individuals included on the U.S. sanctions list. “There are ongoing cases against Ramiz Merko, the Mayor of Struga, Stevcho Jakimovski, the Mayor of Karposh, and several others. We are taking action on nearly all individuals listed by the U.S.,” he added.

Grubi and Ahmeti Respond

The U.S. Department of State added Grubi and his immediate family to its sanctions list on December 9. Grubi has denied any involvement in corruption, calling the accusations baseless.

Meanwhile, Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), stated on Wednesday that his party does not intend to challenge the U.S. State Department’s decisions. Responding to questions about whether Grubi would be expelled from the party, Ahmeti described Grubi as a “responsible and conscientious individual.” He indicated that there is no need for formal exclusion from the party as Grubi is expected to voluntarily withdraw from all party roles.

Broader Implications

The investigation reflects growing scrutiny of political and judicial corruption in North Macedonia. It also underscores the collaborative efforts between North Macedonia’s institutions and international allies, particularly the U.S., to address systemic corruption. The outcome of the investigation and potential legal proceedings against Grubi, Bexheti, and other sanctioned individuals will likely have significant political and legal ramifications for the country.