Moldova sanctions 21 officials in corruption crackdown
The Republic of Moldova has imposed sanctions on 21 individuals, including prominent politicians, business figures, and former officials, as announced by Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Friday.
The measures were adopted by the Interagency Oversight Council, a body coordinated by the Prime Minister that is responsible for implementing and proposing both national and international sanctions.
Those targeted by the sanctions include: Vladimir Plahotniuc, Ilan Șor, Gheorghe Cavcaliuc, Marina Tauber, Vladimir Andronachi, Veaceslav Platon, Constantin Botnari, Alexandr Kalinin (whose citizenship has been revoked), Grigore Caramalac, Chiril Guzun, Arina Corșicova, Dumitru Chitoroagă, Maria Albot, Victor Petrov, Evghenia Guțul, Iurii Cuznețov, Nelli Parutenco, Ilia Uzun, Mihail Vlah, Anatolii Prizenko, and Natalia Parasca.
Between 2024 and June 2025, the State Tax Service issued 121 decisions resulting in the freezing of 60 bank accounts, three payment accounts, and 64,995 shares valued at nearly 13 million Moldovan lei. Authorities also froze 24 equity holdings estimated at around 44.7 million lei, 76 real estate properties, and 12 vehicles. In addition, 38 business activities and transactions were suspended, with a total value exceeding 3.7 million lei and 135,540 euros.
According to government data, Vladimir Plahotniuc currently has 11 frozen bank accounts and 100% of the share capital of the company GMG under seizure. Ilan Șor has nine frozen accounts, one suspended payment transaction, and assets in companies controlled through intermediaries, including “DFM,” “ADORLAND,” “AEROFOOD,” “DUFREMOL,” and “MAGAZINE SOCIALE.” Additionally, three premises, one plot of land, two buildings, and two vehicles belonging to Șor have been seized.
Marina Tauber has more than 64,000 shares in Unibank SA frozen, with a total nominal value of approximately 12.9 million lei, along with eight frozen bank accounts and two seized properties. Vladimir Andronachi is reported to have nine frozen accounts and a 48% stake in the company “Luminare” placed under seizure.
Vladimir Plahotniuc is wanted internationally in 196 INTERPOL member states. Veaceslav Platon is currently detained in the United Kingdom, and Ilan Șor, who has received a final conviction, is evading the execution of his sentence.
The Interagency Oversight Council was established to coordinate the implementation of international sanctions and, when necessary, to introduce Moldova’s own restrictive measures.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
