22nd November 2024, Skopje – Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, and Minister of Internal Affairs, Panche Toshkovski, signed Friday a Memorandum of Cooperation, aimed at both Ministries achieving greater efficiency in fighting organized crime and corruption, as well as providing fast, coordinated and effective response. Director of Public Security Bureau, Aleksandar Janev, and Customs Administration Director, Boban Nikolovski, also signed a Protocol for Implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation, regulating the bilateral cooperation in the fight against all types of crime. Signing of both the Memorandum and the Protocol is supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje.
“We have signed two documents today, making a step forward in the fight against crime, which poses a threat to the country’s development. Prevent and stop is the goal of this Memorandum, which sets the stage for a strengthened cooperation between the two institutions and their administrative bodies, to be achieved through coordinated actions, data exchange, joint activities and actions, exchange of information, networking, joint education and professional development of the personnel”, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska said, adding that signing the Memorandum speaks in favour of our commitment to tackling crime, considering that the last such Memorandum was signed in 2006.
Minister Toskovski underlined that such way of cooperation is crucial for a comprehensive and effective approach to fighting organized crime.
“The documents we have signed today are a proper solution to finding a way to stand up to the challenges that destroy our society. I believe a steadfast, expert and professional cooperation between the institutions can carry it through. An example thereof is the action undertaken when 14 customs officers, police officers and other officers from the institutions were brought to justice who, abusing the trusts of the citizens, illegally gained funds. As we have seen, organized cooperation among the services of MIA, PSB and Customs Administration can yield results. This is our goal, this is why these institutions exist and this is the only way to demonstrate our true will to fight organized crime and corruption. I am confident in people’s and institutions’ potential. We just need to focus, have a clear goal and strive for achieving it”, Minister Toshevski said.
PSB Director Janev pointed out that the Public Security Bureau is at the helm of policing and fight against organized crime, while the border control is one of the pillars of the national system for border management, prevention of illegal border crossing, control of border traffic and maintenance of public order and peace at the borders.
“Cooperation is attained through coordinated work, coordinated and joint actions and enhanced cooperation both at national level (central, regional and local) and internationally, exchange of data for the purpose of preparing risk analysis/risk management, carrying out joint actions and activities, establishing joint working groups and commissions, providing mutual expert and technical assistance, as well as jointly using the technical means and equipment, faster and more efficient exchange of information and data, networking, and joint education and professional development of the personnel”, Director Janev pointed out.
“Organized crime, illegal trade and corruption always find new ways to operate and we are to vigorously and jointly fight back. The Memorandum and the Protocol lay the foundations for even fiercer fight against organized crime by advancing the cooperation and strengthening the activities in the fight against organized crime and corruption, as well as carrying out joint criminal investigations to the end of apprehending the perpetrators”, Nikolovski emphasized.
Thereby, he underlined that the results speak of themselves about the strong commitment to fighting illegal trade. Starting from 1st July until 20th November, there were 252 cases of seizure of goods, by almost 30% more compared to the same period last year. Number of criminal charges tripled, most of them for the criminal deeds of smuggling, customs frauds and avoidance of paying excise duties. At the same time, revenue collection increased by 9.4% in September, by 5.9% in October, by 8.6% as of 21st November inclusive.
Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Susan Penksa, underlined that the Memorandum of Cooperation is the vital framework for strengthening the inter-agency cooperation in areas such as intelligence information, joint operations and training.
“This holistic approach contributes to both Ministries achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness in coping with the causes of crime and ensuring fast, coordinated and effective response.
Protocol for Implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation is just as important, considering its crucial role in accomplishing its strategic objectives. As you move forward, OSCE Mission to Skopje is ready to continue its long standing history of support and cooperation with the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia”, Deputy Head Penksa emphasized.
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