S5 - 1 Money Laundering

S5 - 2 After many problems, the commercial banking system is beginning to function effectively. The IMF has been quite pleased with these efforts, and a special delegation is to visit Skopje to formulate a major structural reform package with a significant resource contribution by the IMF in the form of long-term low-interest loans to stimulate capital flow. The IMF has explained that their involvement is based on renewed faith in the integrity of the Macedonian banking system.

S5 - 3 The police report the following incident: A white 1999 Mercedes traveling at high speed on the road from Bulgaria to Skopje overturned on a slippery road; the three passengers in the vehicle were killed. Two of the passengers carried Bulgarian passports and documents. The third had a Bulgarian passport, but, sewed in the lining of his coat, was a Russian passport. A suitcase containing one million marks, and a calling card with the name of the Vice-President of the second largest commercial bank in Skopje was found.

S5 - 4 The interior ministry had been receiving reports from their German counterparts warning in most general terms that the Russian Mafia was using Macedonians for money-laundering activities. A quick discreet check on the Bank VP’s activities shows that he is living above his salaried means, with a large villa and two new expensive cars. Additionally, he makes frequent travels outside the country.

S5 - 5 The police have learned that one of the sensational daily newspapers has learned of the accident, the deaths, and discovery of the suitcase with money, and is planning to write a sensational lead story exaggerating the meaning and intent of the discovery.