Former North Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Arrested at Kosovo Border
Artaan Grubi, a former Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia who had been wanted for over a year in connection with alleged abuses, was detained on February 23rd at the Blace border crossing with Kosovo, according to MIA news agency.
Investigation into State Lottery Allegations
Grubi, previously affiliated with the Albanian party “Democratic Union for Integration,” and former State Lottery Director Perparim Bajrami are under investigation for the alleged misappropriation of 8 million euros from North Macedonia’s State Lottery.
Voluntary Surrender and International Arrest Warrant
Kosovo’s Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) reported that Grubi voluntarily surrendered to North Macedonian authorities. An international arrest warrant for Grubi and Bajrami was issued in December 2024, but the former Deputy Prime Minister had already departed for Kosovo.
US Sanctions and Political Background
Grubi, who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Political System and Relations Between Communities from 2020 to June 2024, was added to the US “blacklist” for individuals involved in corruption at the end of 2024, alongside Judge Enver Bejeti of the country’s Appeals Court.
Controversial Statement and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As Deputy Prime Minister, Grubi gained attention for his statement, “Learn Albanian! Albanian is the language of the future,” directed towards members of the European Integration Committee in the North Macedonian parliament. The legal proceedings against him are ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Artaan Grubi? Artaan Grubi is a former Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, affiliated with the Democratic Union for Integration party.
- What are the allegations against Grubi? He is under investigation for the alleged misappropriation of 8 million euros from North Macedonia’s State Lottery.
- Where was Grubi arrested? He was arrested at the Blace border crossing between North Macedonia and Kosovo.
