The affair, dubbed "The Big Ear" scandal by the local press, was originally disclosed in January 2001 by current President Branko Crvenkovski, who was the opposition leader at the time.
Çështja, me nofkën skandali "Veshi i Madh" nga shtypi lokal, u zbulua së pari në janar 2001 nga presidenti aktual Branko Crvenkovski, i cili ishte atë kohë udhëheqës i opozitës.