Metodija Smilenski (69), owner of the bankrupt "Export-Import Banka" charged with misappropriating approximately $50 million, was extradited to Macedonia from Serbia yesterday. The Macedonian police received Smilenski at the Tabanovce border crossing. Smilenski was taken to the prison in Skopje under heavy police security. The court ruled a 30-day detention against Smilenski in his absence.

This indictment was raised against Smilenski and former National Bank Governor Ljube Trpeski. Trpeski was held under house arrest and he was released on bail after paying a guarantee of 200,000 euros. Trpeski is charged with breach of duty because he enabled Smilenski to acquire $22 million. These funds were transferred from the state reserves to bank accounts of firms belonging to Smilenski.