---
title: "Moldovan fugitive nabbed for €3M Belgian tax fraud"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/23826/moldovan-fugitive-nabbed-for-3m-belgian-tax-fraud
published: 2024-02-02T14:00:46Z
language: en
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldovan fugitive nabbed for €3M Belgian tax fraud

> Moldovan authorities have arrested a 40-year-old man in Chișinău, suspected of masterminding a €3 million tax fraud scheme involving illegal cigarette production in Belgium.

Moldovan authorities have arrested a 40-year-old man in Chișinău, suspected of masterminding a €3 million tax fraud scheme involving illegal cigarette production in Belgium.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/8f396598-1d53-4297-b92d-03e1dfa9cb8e.jpg)

The man, who was previously sentenced in absentia by a Belgian court, faces pre-trial detention in Moldova.

Prosecutors allege the suspect led a criminal group of Moldovan citizens operating clandestine cigarette factories in Belgium. Profits from the illegal sales were reportedly used to acquire luxury properties and vehicles. *"To hide his criminal activity," the statement reads, "the man registered the properties under different names."*

The fugitive had received a seven-year prison sentence and an €800,000 fine in Belgium but evaded appearing in court, triggering an international manhunt. His arrest in Chișinău led to the confiscation of a handgun, ammunition, and a luxury car from his residence.

Over a dozen other members of the same group have already been convicted in Belgium, receiving up to seven years in prison and hefty fines.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**