€168,000 found hidden in a minibus refrigerated parcel compartment from Ireland

An attempt to smuggle 168,800 euros was discovered at Leușeni customs in a minibus transporting packages from Ireland. During the customs inspection, the money was found concealed within the walls of a refrigerated box.

Turkish teachers’ expulsion case: Former SIS chief’s alleged guilt upheld in file submitted to prosecutors

The file concerning Vasile Botnari, the former director of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS), has been returned to the Chisinau Municipal Prosecutor's Office. This will allow for the resumption of the criminal investigation and the identification of other individuals involved in the illegal transfer of five teachers from the "Orizont" Lyceum to Turkey in September 2018.

Three foreigners investigated after swimming across the Prut to Romania illegally

Moldovan border guards, in collaboration with their Romanian counterparts, detected a case of illegal border crossing by three foreign nationals who crossed the Prut River from Romania into the Republic of Moldova.

Beriozchi murders: Main suspect sentenced to 20 years in prison

The primary suspect in the serial murders in the village of Beriozchi, Anenii Noi district, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for one of the criminal cases. This sentence was issued on June 18 by the magistrates of the Causeni Court.

Ilan Shor arrested in absentia over BEM’s $100 million embezzlement case

The Chisinau Court in Ciocana issued an arrest warrant for fugitive convict Ilan Shor in connection with the embezzlement of $ 100 million from the Moldovan Savings Bank (BEM).

CRJM launches platform tracking electoral corruption cases

High-profile cases that go to court often fade from public memory, increasing the risk that facts will be concealed and ultimately leading to delayed justice or the acquittal of suspects. Starting today, cases related to electoral corruption can be monitored through a new platform at anticoruptie.crjm.org, which has been launched by the Legal Resources Center of Moldova (CRJM).

Venice Commission supports mixed mechanism for judge evaluation

The Ministry of Justice's proposed mixed mechanism for verifying judges' integrity, both internally and externally, is endorsed by the Venice Commission. They regard this initiative as "legitimate and justified" and in line with European standards.

Ion Ceban responds after losing lawsuit in Romania

Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban lost his first-instance lawsuit against Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu. In the lawsuit, he sought 1 leu in damages after being accused of having "complicated ties with Russia." Additionally, he was banned from entering Romania and the entire Schengen area for five years.

Paid parking case: Chirtoacă calls it a “bitter victory”

The former mayor of Chisinau, Dorin Chirtoacă, was acquitted by the Centru Court of Appeal in the paid parking case. He described the outcome as "a bitter victory" and mentioned that he does not rule out the possibility of continuing the trial if the decision is challenged at the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ). Meanwhile, the accusers have not yet made a decision, stating that "The Prosecutor's Office will analyze the feasibility of contesting the decision within the legal deadline."

Sergiu Caraman re-elected chair of the Superior Council of Magistracy

Sergiu Caraman was re-elected as chair of the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM) on June 9. He secured a new two-year term after receiving eight votes from Council members.

Court confirms Tauber’s prison term as prosecutors push for harsher sentence

Former MP Marina Tauber hwas sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in prison for her role in the illegal financing of the former "Șor" Party. During the hearing on June 5, the Criminal Panel of the Court of Appeal rejected appeals from both the prosecutors and Tauber’s lawyers, upholding the original sentence without any changes.

Telephone scams to be investigated by inquiry commission

The Parliament has established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate telephone scams. Eleven deputies will examine how authorities respond to combat this issue. In just the past few weeks, nearly 150 Moldovans have lost their life savings. What is particularly concerning is that the criminals are impersonating employees of government institutions.