Moldova targets construction firms over €358k tax fraud
Moldovan authorities have uncovered a large-scale tax evasion scheme in the construction sector, estimating damages to the state budget at over €358,000 (approx. 7 million MDL) for 2024.
Several building materials producers and service providers operating in Chisinau and Rezina District are currently under investigation.
Systemic underreporting and unrecorded transactions
The probe was launched by the Anti-Fraud Directorate of the State Tax Service alongside prosecutors from the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS).
According to preliminary findings, the targeted companies conducted extensive commercial activities that were kept off official accounting books.
The operations involved underreporting sales revenues, submitting falsified income and expense statements to tax authorities, and concealing taxable assets to evade statutory obligations.
Wiretaps reveal under-the-table cash wages
Law enforcement officials released wiretapped audio recordings revealing how executives instructed staff on dual-payment methods mixing official bank transfers with unrecorded cash.
In one recording, an individual is heard telling an employee that part of their salary was transferred to their bank card, while the remainder would be paid in cash under the table.
Coordinated law enforcement raids
On August 11, officers executed search warrants across offices, private residences, and vehicles belonging to key decision-makers in Chisinau and Rezina.
Investigators seized unofficial ledgers, handwritten financial notes, accounting documents, and other material evidence, which are currently undergoing forensic review.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
