Dmitry Constantinov: Prosecutors demand 13-year prison sentence
Prosecutors are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for Dmitry Constantinov, the former President of the Gagauzia People's Assembly. He is currently on trial for abuse of power and embezzlement charges.
The information was confirmed for Teleradio-Moldova by Violina Morari, the spokesperson for the General Prosecutor's Office. Judicial debates in the case concluded on December 4, with both parties presenting their final pleas.
According to prosecutors, between 2017 and 2020, while serving as the director of a Comrat commercial company, Constantinov allegedly authorized unjustified financial transfers to another entity where his son worked. The alleged scheme caused 46 million lei damage (over $2.6 million USD) to the firm and ultimately led to its bankruptcy.
Constantinov remains free pending the verdict. Contacted by Teleradio-Moldova for a reaction regarding the embezzlement charges, he did not answer the phone.
The Comrat Court is expected to deliver the decision in this abuse of power trial at the end of the month.
Constantinov, who was elected President of the People's Assembly of the UTA Gagauzia in February 2022, announced his resignation on November 14; the regional legislature confirmed it on November 27. He cited health reasons for stepping down and rejected speculation that he was under political pressure.
Elections for the People's Assembly in Gagauzia are scheduled for March 22, 2026, with a potential second round set for April 5.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
