"Patron" criminal network dismantled: 13 Moldovans convicted in France; leader internationally wanted
Thirteen citizens of Moldova, members of the self-proclaimed criminal organization "Patron," including its leader, were recently convicted in France for a series of serious crimes committed across several European countries, according to the General Inspectorate of Police.
The action follows an international investigation conducted from 2021 to 2022, involving cooperation between the authorities of Moldova, Romania, and France, with support from Europol. The group, led by a so-called "thief in law" known as "Patron," primarily carried out its criminal activities in France.
In May 2022, the authorities from the three countries launched a large-scale operation, resulting in over 50 searches and the detention of several individuals. Based on the evidence gathered, the French justice system convicted 13 members of the network, including the leader, who received a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of €300,000.
The leader of the organization is a fugitive and is wanted internationally by French authorities, including for crimes committed in the Republic of Moldova. In May 2023, he was also sought by Moldovan authorities, accused of extortion amounting to 5 million lei related to the detention of a former high-performance athlete.
Among those convicted are several Moldovans from the Briceni, Criuleni, Ialoveni, and Strășeni districts who received prison sentences and significant fines. One of the group's supervisors—responsible for coordinating Moldovan citizens in France—was sentenced to 9 years in prison and fined €200,000. He also instructed other members, including Moldovan athletes, who were involved in criminal activities.
The convictions pertained to crimes such as large-scale money laundering, the production and counterfeiting of cigarettes within the EU, racketeering against French companies, fundraising for the network's budget, and 16 thefts committed in the Orléans region, resulting in losses of around €300,000.
Regarding the criminal cases opened in Moldova, the individuals involved have the legal right to the presumption of innocence until a final court decision is reached.
The "Patron" organization had previously been investigated and convicted in Italy from 2007 to 2012 in the "Caracatița" case. Its leader received an 8-year prison sentence, but the sentence was not enforced as it was issued in absentia. In the Republic of Moldova, a criminal investigation was initiated in 2010, and from 2018, the investigation was also extended to Romania.
