Police investigate child begging and trafficking ring
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Authorities have initiated an investigation into a serious organized scheme involving the transportation of children from Western Macedonia to beg in Ohrid and Struga, with disturbing allegations that girls are being sold for sex. This development has prompted a police inquiry into the reported activities.
In other significant domestic news, construction has officially begun on a crucial 12-kilometer section of the Bukojchani-Kichevo highway, a key part of the Corridor 8 project designed to improve connectivity between Skopje and Ohrid. This infrastructure project is anticipated to take four years to complete.
Meanwhile, former First Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi's house arrest is scheduled to end tomorrow, although the court has not yet made a decision regarding his 335,000 euro bail. The situation surrounding Ivana Mihailova, who is accused in a fatal traffic accident, has escalated into a diplomatic dispute with Bulgaria after reports of her fleeing to the neighboring country, leading to accusations against Minister of Internal Affairs Panče Toškovski. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski also highlighted North Macedonia's strong GDP growth and low inflation, positioning the country among Europe's top economies.