A man from the north of the country, investigated by the NAC and the AP in an influence peddling case, was sentenced to four years in prison

The Central Court of Balti found a man guilty of committing influence peddling in a case managed by the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC) and the Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (AP). The court ordered a 4-year prison sentence, applying the preventive measure of arrest and announcing him wanted. Also, the special confiscation of the amount of 15,000 euros was ordered from the defendant's account, as assets resulting from criminal activity.

According to the evidence presented in court, the defendant, in the period July-November 2019, claiming that he would have influence over the prosecutors and judges who were examining a criminal case concerning a citizen accused of kidnapping and blackmail, allegedly demanded and received the sum of 15,000 euros from his relatives. In exchange for the money, the defendant claimed that he could determine persons with public dignity to adopt a favourable decision regarding the person in question, that is, to apply a non-privative punishment to him.

The examination of the case in court lasted 1 year and 7 months, during which the defendant evaded appearing at the court hearings, not appearing even at the criminal investigation body, having been announced as wanted. However, through a request sent by e-mail to the court, it requested that the trial be continued in his absence, admitting his guilt. Previously, the defendant was convicted of similar crimes and fined 175,000 lei.

The sentence is not final and can be appealed to the Northern Court of Appeal within 15 days.

Note: The person accused of committing a crime shall be presumed innocent until his guilt is established by a final court decision.