Constantin Țuțu failed to appear in court, citing ‘personal reasons,’ and will be brought in forcibly at the next hearing
Former Democratic MP Constantin Țuțu did not attend the court hearing scheduled for October 8, where he faces charges of illicit enrichment and influence peddling. Additionally, his lawyer was also absent, leading to the hearing being postponed until October 20. Prosecutors have stated that at the next hearing, Constantin Țuțu will be brought to court forcibly and will be represented by a public defender to prevent further delays in the case. Furthermore, the former MP's lawyer will face a fine of 2,000 lei for their unjustified absence.
The prosecutor in the case, Elena Cazacov, stated that the reason provided by the defense attorney for his absence from the hearing—his failure to coordinate his position with his client—is not a valid justification.
"The prosecution requested that a judicial fine be imposed, which the court accepted. Additionally, to prevent any further delays in the examination of the case, the prosecution also requested the appointment of a public defender. Concerning the defendant's failure to appear, who cited 'personal reasons,' the prosecution requested his forced removal from prison," said the prosecutor.
Former Member of Parliament and athlete Constantin Țuțu has been placed in custody for 30 days, starting from Saturday, October 4. This preventive measure was issued by the Chișinău Court based in Ciocana, following accusations from the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Causes (PCCOCS) regarding illegal border crossing and attempting to bribe a border official.
Țuțu was detained on October 2 while attempting to enter the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine. He had previously been caught in the Transnistrian region, specifically in Tiraspol, on September 22, which is why he is under investigation for illegal border crossing.
When escorted to court, Țuțu was questioned by a reporter from Moldova 1 TV about how he managed to cross the border upon reaching the left bank of the Nistru and who assisted him in doing so. He responded, “I entered the country legally, just like anyone else.”
Legal cases involving influence peddling and illicit enrichment against Țuțu have been pending since May 2020 and November 2021, respectively. These cases were eventually merged into a single trial, which is currently being heard in the Chișinău Court.
On July 22 of this year, Constantin Țuțu and oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, who fled the Republic of Moldova in June 2019 after losing power, were detained at Athens airport while attempting to fly to Dubai. Vladimir Plahotniuc was extradited on September 25.
