A six-member organized criminal group involved in migrant smuggling has been suppressed in North Macedonia, following a months-long criminal investigation. The operation, led by the Department for Suppression of Organized and Serious Crime in cooperation with the Department for Special and Special Operations, also prevented the transport of six migrants from China, including one minor.

The suspects, identified as A.I. (46), B.I. (26), both from Kumanovo, B.Z. (28), V.T. (38) and R.R. (19), all three from Skopje, and V.T. (56) from Gevgelija, face criminal charges of “smuggling migrants” in co-perpetration.

Between April and July 13, 2025, the group allegedly smuggled illegal migrants from Serbia into North Macedonia, seeking illegal property and material benefits. Migrants were transported across the “green border” near the village of Lojane, Lipkovo municipality, and guided to pre-arranged locations. From there, A.I. and B.I. transported them to the Kumanovo area, where B.Z. took over and moved them to Gevgelija, near the Greek border. V.T. then allegedly escorted them on foot across the “green border” into Greece.

B.Z. reportedly used vehicles with switched license plates to carry out the smuggling operation, using V.T. as a “cleaner” to scout ahead of migrant transports.

On July 13, 2025, the group organized the acceptance, temporary shelter, and transportation of six Chinese migrants, including one minor. While attempting to transport the migrants, B.Z. allegedly tried to evade police but was apprehended. V.T. was also arrested in the Gevgelija area.

Searches were conducted at five locations in Skopje and Kumanovo, resulting in the seizure of three vehicles, mobile phones, SIM cards, and money. The migrants are currently housed in the Gazi Baba Reception Center for Foreigners in Skopje.