National.

At least 9 customs officers, 26 police officers and three restaurant owners have been arrested Friday morning during police raids conducted at the border crossings Bogorodica, Medzitlija, Deve Bair and Tabanovce.

The operation is still under way.

The detainees were tailed by special surveillance equipment for some time. They were suspected of abuse of power and taking kickbacks.

At the press conference staged today, the Interior Ministry said this information is valid for actions taken until 13:00 hrs, and did not exclude the possibility of increased number of detainees.

The arrested are due to appear before an investigative judge as soon as the necessary documentation is completed.

This marks the most comprehensive operation of busting policemen and customs officers ever.

Previously, a source from Interior Ministry gave an unofficial to Makfax that 33 customs officers and 13 police officers have been arrested.

MD: There are many corrupt policemen in macedonia, it’s hard to fight that

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 12:10 am | Permalink