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.
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
