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.

SIS foils 21 million lei scheme involving military aircraft parts

A company from the Republic of Moldova allegedly attempted to illegally export components worth 21 million lei to Russia, intended for companies affiliated with the Russian military-industrial complex and subject to international sanctions. The attempt was foiled following an operation carried out by the Information and Security Service (SIS), under the leadership of the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS).

Moldova real estate money laundering raids

Moldovan law enforcement officers and anti-organized crime prosecutors have conducted 26 raids targeting a real estate company involved in a €690,000 (approx. 13.5 million MDL) money laundering scheme.

Moldova detains Russian FSB officer spying on Transnistria region

Moldovan authorities have detained a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officer at the state border during a joint operation by the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) and special prosecutors.

€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).