On 18 November 2025 at 09:00, on the old Strumica–Radovish main road near the village of Vladevci, Strumica, police officers from SVR Strumica arrested A.D. (31) and K.I. (19), both from Strumica. During a search of a “Ford” cargo vehicle with Strumica license plates, in which the individuals were found, parts of a generator were discovered. The same day at 12:30 near the village of Voislavci, Radovish, police officers from SVR Strumica–OVR Radovish also arrested E.U. (45) from Strumica, after a search of a “Ford” cargo vehicle he was driving revealed a generator, tools and other items.
During official interviews at the police station, the individuals stated that the items had been stolen from the “Buchim” mine in Radovish and admitted that they had previously committed similar acts, after which they sold the stolen items to A.Sh. (43) from Strumica. Later, acting on a court order, a search was carried out at the home of A.Sh., where a large quantity of stored waste and old vehicles was found. An environmental inspector determined that a significant amount of waste was being stored, with which A.Sh. and E.D. were trading without authorization, thereby committing the criminal offence “endangering the environment and nature with waste” under Article 230 of the Criminal Code.
In connection with the case, V.A. (32) from Radovish, employed by a security agency, was also arrested. He is suspected of allowing individuals to enter the mine premises through a secondary entrance in exchange for financial compensation and remove the items.
The individuals have been detained at the police stations in Strumica and Radovish, the public prosecutor has been informed, and after full documentation of the case, criminal charges will be filed against them.