Moldova lowers voting threshold to appoint international vetting experts amid transparency concerns

The head of Moldova’s judicial council warned that a recent change to the voting rules for appointing members of a key vetting commission could undermine the credibility of the country’s justice reform.

Women's Law Center calls for “femicide” crime in Republic of Moldova criminal code after Ludmila Vartic case

The Women's Law Center (WLC) is advocating for the establishment of a distinct crime of "femicide" in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova. This request follows the tragic death of Ludmila Vartic, the wife of the vice-president of the Hâncești District Council. The WLC argues that Ludmila's death raises significant concerns regarding the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.

European Commission pushes Parliament to seek Venice Commission advice on vetting vote threshold

The Parliament of Chisinau should consult the Venice Commission on the amendment reducing the number of votes required to appoint international members to the External Evaluation Commission for Prosecutors. This statement comes from Markus Lammert, the European Commission spokesperson for democracy, justice, and the rule of law. He emphasized in a comment to Teleradio-Moldova that implementing transparent reforms in the justice sector is essential for Moldova's European integration.

Fifth suspect detained in €40,000 bribery case while attempting to flee the country

Anti-corruption officers and prosecutors detained a fifth individual at the "Eugen Doga" International Airport in Chisinau while they were attempting to flee the country. This person is an accomplice in a case involving a 40,000-euro bribe collected to secure the release of a prisoner.

Brent crude hits $90 as Hormuz Strait blockade triggers global energy alarm

Brent crude oil prices reached $90 per barrel for the first time in nearly two years. The surge follows a wave of disruptions in energy markets triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Six-month sentence for Andronache challenged by prosecutors

Prosecutors have contested the decision to sentence Ion Andronache, the accomplice of the former mayor of Boldurești in the Nisporeni district, to just two years in prison, of which only six months would be served due to a partially suspended sentence. The prosecutors argue that this sentence is too lenient and are seeking the maximum penalty of three years in prison with execution.

Șepeli had seven months left in prison when pardoned by Maia Sandu

The presidency did not have all the necessary details when it decided to pardon Nicolae Șepeli in 2022. He was a young man convicted of drug trafficking in Russia, who prosecutors and non-governmental organizations portrayed as a victim of human trafficking.

Kazakh citizen wanted by Interpol for fraud detained in Chișinău

A 34-year-old man from Kazakhstan, who was internationally wanted, has been detained in Chisinau by Moldovan authorities. According to the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM), the man was wanted by the Interpol Astana National Central Bureau on suspicion of fraud and bank fraud.

Moldova Interior Minister warns of Transnistrian safe haven for high-profile convicts

Moldova’s Interior Minister, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, has identified the breakaway Transnistrian region as a primary obstacle to justice. The lack of constitutional control over the territory allows high-profile convicts to evade imprisonment systematically.

Seven girls, including three minors, forced to provide sexual services in rented apartments in Chisinau

Seven girls from socially vulnerable families, including three minors, were sexually exploited by six men. The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were lured with promises of substantial monetary gain but were deceived and forced to provide sexual services in several rented apartments in Chisinau.

30 days’ arrest for Durlești City Hall leaders over suspected public land scams

The mayor of Durlești, Eleonora Șaran, and deputy mayor Mihai Enachi have been arrested for thirty days, along with two other individuals. They are involved in a criminal case concerning the improper dispossession of several land plots by the local public administration. Additionally, four other defendants have been placed under house arrest.

Main suspect in Ukraine bombing case linked to Shor, fined 25,000 lei for electoral corruption

Nicolae Șepeli is accused of recruiting 11 individuals to carry out attacks against Ukrainian soldiers and journalists, under the direction of Russian special services. He is believed to have ties to a network coordinated by the convicted Ilan Șor, which aimed to manipulate the elections in the Republic of Moldova.