20,000 euros for the release of a prisoner convicted of rape. The NAC and APO conducted searches in a case of influence peddling

Officers of the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC), together with prosecutors from the Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (APO), conducted searches today in a criminal case initiated on acts of influence peddling. One person allegedly promised another person that he would help obtain the release of a convict, in exchange for an illicit remuneration.

According to the case materials, the suspect allegedly demanded and received from the convict's relative funds in a total amount equivalent to 20,000 euros, sent in several installments, both in national currency and in foreign currency. He allegedly claimed that he had influence over some judges and that he could induce them to adopt a favorable decision regarding the release from detention of a man convicted of rape.

Today, anti-corruption officers conducted searches at the suspect's home, as a result of which relevant evidence for the criminal case was seized. The suspect was detained for 72 hours and placed in the NAC's detention centre. Currently, investigations continue to establish all the circumstances and identify any persons involved in the scheme.

We remind that any person shall be presumed innocent until a final and irrevocable court decision is rendered.