With a series of charges/ Erion Veliaj's "friend non grata" is put in handcuffs

2026-02-23 09:29:00, Aktualitet CNA

With a series of charges/ Erion Veliaj's "friend non grata" is

This Monday morning, the former Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Artan Grubi, declared non grata by the State Department and wanted by local authorities, was handcuffed at the Blace border crossing.

The moment of handcuffing, source "Alsat"

Grubi is involved in an investigation related to suspicions of abuse of office, corruption and violations of public procurement procedures, local media report.

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.

Artan Grubi was declared "non grata" by the US on December 10, 2024.

But what connects Grubi with Erion Veliaj?

Grubi is a friend of Erion Veliaj, who has often hosted him in his office. He even donated the Clock Tower to Grubi during a meeting at the Municipality of Tirana in 2021.

With a series of charges/ Erion Veliaj's "friend non grata" is

Another meeting also took place in 2023 between Veliaj and the Artan Group, declared "non grata" by the State Department.

"Happy to have had the opportunity to meet my friend, Artan Grubi - the first deputy prime minister of North Macedonia. Pleasure to talk about more cooperation on new projects," wrote Veliaj, thus acknowledging his close friendship with Artan Grubi, who is accused of corruption.

With a series of charges/ Erion Veliaj's "friend non grata" is

But what unites Veliaj and Grubi besides friendship?

Erion Veliaj was investigated by SPAK and found guilty of 13 charges for 5 serious criminal offenses, including corruption, abuse of office, laundering the proceeds of crime, concealing assets, and bringing illegal items into the cell.

Artan Grubi is accused of corruption, abuse of office and tender abuse. According to DASH, he and his family members were declared non grata for their involvement in corruption.

Veliaj is also in prison on 13 charges, while Ajola Xoxa is under house arrest on 12 charges.

Veliaj and Xoxa have used various schemes to enrich themselves and put money in their pockets and those of their families.

So, what unites them, besides friendship, are accusations of corruption and abuse of office./ CNA