Grubi returns to North Macedonia, arrested in Blace
Express newspaper
23/02/2026 8:09
Former First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Artan Grubi, voluntarily presented himself this morning near the Blace border crossing with Kosovo and legal measures were immediately taken against him, as an “Arrest” measure was active against him, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced, reports. ALSAT.
According to police, Grubi appeared at the entrance to the country at around 06:10 and was immediately deprived of his liberty. He has been taken into custody for further procedures, while authorities did not provide additional details on the current phase of the criminal proceedings.
“On 23.02.2026 at 06:10 at the entrance to the Republic of North Macedonia at the Blace border crossing, Artan Grubi, born on 07.06.1977, appeared with the measure “Arrest”. The person in question has been deprived of liberty for further actions,” the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
He is involved in an investigation related to suspicions of abuse of official position, corruption and violation of public procurement procedures, in the context of a case related to the functioning and contracts of the State Lottery of North Macedonia.
According to the prosecution, the investigations concern decisions and contracts that are suspected of causing significant financial damage to the institution’s budget, estimated at 500 million denars or over 8 million euros. The prosecution claims that certain economic entities were favored through the contested procedures.
The court had previously ordered Grubi to be remanded in custody, while the authorities had declared him wanted for failing to appear before the justice authorities.