Undercover agent infiltrated suspect’s household to solve Beriozchi murder case
Moldovan police successfully embedded an undercover operative within the inner circle and residence of the prime suspect in the Beriozchi case (Anenii Noi district). The operation aimed to secure critical evidence regarding the disappearance and presumed murder of a 61-year-old man.
Viorel Cernăuțeanu, Head of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP), confirmed the tactical maneuver on Wednesday, December 24. The disclosure follows a wave of public scrutiny regarding the perceived delay in law enforcement’s intervention.
The necessity of undercover work
Addressing the criticism on Jurnal TV, Cernăuțeanu explained that investigators required significant time to document the case thoroughly. The objective was to build a high-integrity evidentiary base capable of withstanding legal challenges in court.
"During this period, we had an infiltrated person working at the perpetrator's home to document the entire process," the IGP chief stated. He emphasized that a premature arrest without sufficient proof could have allowed defense lawyers to dismiss the case.
Discovery of forensic evidence
The criminal case in Beriozchi, a village located in the Anenii Noi district, became public on December 23, 2025. It originated from a missing person report filed in September. Following extensive raids supported by the "Fulger" Special Forces, authorities searched multiple properties belonging to the suspect.
Forensic teams recovered the victim's clothing and what are believed to be human remains. Investigators also seized blood-stained items and various objects suspected of being used as murder weapons during the commission of the crime.
Legal proceedings and arrests
Three individuals are currently in custody: the 59-year-old primary suspect, his domestic partner, and an additional male accomplice.
The court has ordered preventive detention for the main suspect, while his partner has been placed under house arrest as the investigation continues.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
