Anti-Corruption prosecutors detain Pruncul prison chief

On Tuesday, July 8, the Director of Penitentiary No. 9 in Pruncul was detained as part of a criminal investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The National Penitentiary Administration (ANP) has confirmed this information and stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigators involved in the case.

Court upholds 10-year sentence for former BEM chief

The Centru Court of Appeal upheld the 10-year prison sentence for Viorel Bârca, the former interim president of "Banca de Economii" (BEM). The appeal court rejected both the prosecutors' appeal and the appeal filed by the defendant's lawyers against the sentence issued by the Chisinau Court in Buiucani in January 2024, deeming them both unfounded.

Moldovan rescued in anti-trafficking operation in Greece

A 34-year-old woman from the Republic of Moldova, who was a victim of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, has been rescued and safely repatriated to her home country. This rescue was part of the international operation titled "Global Chain," which was conducted across 59 countries.

Maia Sandu signs decree appointing five Supreme Court judges

Ana Cucerescu, Alexandru Negru, Sergiu Stratan, and Gheorghe Stratulat from the Chisinau District Court, along with Elena Croitor, have been appointed as the new judges of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ). The decree promoting them was signed by President Maia Sandu on July 3.

State secretary Tatiana Nistorică placed in 30 day pre trial detention

On July 4, the Chișinău Court based in Ciocana granted prosecutors' request in full and ordered a 30 day pre trial detention for Tatiana Nistorică, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, in her absence. On the same day, the business representative was placed in pre trial detention for 20 days.

GRECO: Government leaders must lead by example in fighting corruption

While reforms in law enforcement institutions are moving forward, the integrity of key executive functions in the Republic of Moldova remains uncertain. This structural issue, highlighted in the compliance report by the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) of the Council of Europe, has drawn attention in Brussels, as it is a vital focus area for the EU under the “Fundamentals” cluster for accession.

Expert raises concerns over prison conditions and torture investigations

The Republic of Moldova is making gradual progress in human rights; however, prison conditions and the investigation of torture cases remain significant areas of concern. Vadim Vieru, an expert from the Promo-LEX Association, highlights that prison overcrowding and a shortage of medical personnel continue to impact the system, despite some improvements.

MoldATSA raided in abuse of office investigation

Officers from the National Anticorruption Center, under the direction of the Anti Corruption Prosecutor's Office, are searching the headquarters of MoldATSA. The searches are part of a criminal investigation into reasonable suspicions of aggravated abuse of office, CNA officials told Moldova 1 TV.

8-year prison sentence for ex-deputy minister accused of recruiting prosecutors for the Shor group

Former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Veaceslav Ceban, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in organizing the assassination of two prosecutors from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in 2020. Ceban, along with six other individuals, allegedly gathered information on behalf of the convicted Ilan Șor. Among the targeted prosecutors was a deputy prosecutor involved in investigating the "theft of the billion."

Global Torture Index 2026: Moldova’s “moderate risk” rating masks serious issues, experts

The Republic of Moldova's "moderate risk" rating in the Global Torture Index 2026 conceals significant vulnerabilities. In four of the seven assessed areas, the risk is substantial, with the most serious issues identified in detention conditions, police abuses, impunity, and victims' rights. Consequently, the seemingly positive overall score masks serious structural problems, warns the Promo-LEX Association, which collected the data for the Republic of Moldova.

Passenger caught with 10 gold bars in suitcase before Istanbul flight

A man attempted to fly out of Moldova with ten gold bars in his luggage. He was left without his belongings and now faces sanctions.

Moldovans risk prison for helping Tajik citizens cross the Prut illegally for money

Three members of an organized crime group were charged with orchestrating the illegal migration of foreign citizens into the European Union. They promised citizens of Tajikistan that they would help them cross the border in exchange for 4,500 euros. The plan was thwarted when one of the migrants was apprehended by Romanian authorities immediately after swimming across the Prut.