Undercover operation exposes decades of killings at Moldovan pig farm
Moldovan authorities are nearing a major indictment in a chilling serial murder case, involving six victims and spanning two decades of criminal activity.
The General Inspectorate of Police (IGP) confirmed that investigators have finalized evidence for three of the six cases linked to a 59-year-old suspect. The man, detained last December, remains in custody following a court extension on January 16.
High-tech surveillance and infiltration
The breakthrough in these "cold cases"—some dating back to 2005—resulted from a sophisticated sting operation. Police successfully embedded an undercover agent within the suspect’s farm and installed 24/7 technical surveillance.
"It is our obligation to ensure justice, regardless of how much time has passed," stated Viorel Cernăuțeanu, Head of the National Police. He noted that the investigation required complex forensic expertise to link the suspect to crimes from 2005, 2015, and 2020.
A grim discovery at the farm
The investigation intensified last September following the disappearance of a 61-year-old man. In December 2025, a raid on the suspect’s pig farm uncovered clothing, blood-stained items, and what appear to be human remains.
The suspect’s partner, son, and another local man are also under investigation. To explain the disappearances to the community, the suspect’s partner reportedly claimed the victims had "left to fight in the war."
Next steps for prosecution
Prosecutors will now decide whether to try the episodes as distinct cases to expedite justice. With "bulletproof evidence" already prepared for at least three victims, the first set of charges is expected to reach the courts shortly.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
