Landmark case in the recovery of criminal assets: eight immovable properties worth more than mdl 9.6 million finally confiscated for the benefit of the state

Eight immovable properties with a total value exceeding 9.6 million lei have been finally confiscated for the benefit of the state following an investigation conducted jointly by the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC) and the Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (APO). The assets include construction land, residential houses, and an unfinished building. The case concerns a former public official with responsibilities in the field of cadastre, who was convicted of abuse of office.

According to the case materials, between 2011 and 2022, the official used his position to facilitate the illegal disposal and registration of land owned by the Chișinău Municipality. Although the assets were officially registered in the names of nominal owners, the investigation established that the convicted person was the actual beneficiary.

Anti-corruption officers documented the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and registration of the properties, while the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency (CARA), within the NAC, conducted parallel financial investigations to identify the assets and establish links between the persons involved. The evidence collected was presented before the court and served as the basis for the application of precautionary measures.

By a final court ruling, the court ordered the special confiscation of all eight immovable properties. The decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal, which confirmed the legality and merits of the measures taken. The writ of execution has already been submitted to the State Tax Service for enforcement.

The NAC reiterates that identifying and recovering criminal assets is a priority in the fight against corruption, while the CARA’s financial investigations are essential for returning such assets to the state’s patrimony.