NAC and Cahul prosecutors investigate two deputy mayors from Comrat for abuse of office. One of them detained for 72 hours
Officers of the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC) in collaboration with prosecutors from the Cahul Prosecutor's Office today conducted criminal investigations into a case of abuse of office, targeting two deputy mayors from Comrat. They are suspected of having acted in concert to obtain undue material benefits from the public budget.
According to the materials administered, one of the deputy mayors, using the influence of his position, allegedly organized the conclusion of several public procurement contracts in favour of a company under his control, registered in the name of some interposed persons, the company being systematically favoured in the tenders organized by the City Hall. At the same time, the same deputy mayor is suspected of influencing municipal councillors and facilitating the illegal allocation of several construction plots to his close associates, while he himself was the true beneficiary. These plots were later alienated for the purpose of illegally obtaining funds.
The second deputy mayor, currently under house arrest, is in turn suspected of abuse of office, manifested by influencing the decision-making process in the Municipal Council, to allocate plots to interposed persons, the final beneficiaries being both deputy mayors. The documented facts indicate a reasonable suspicion of coordinated action in order to influence local elected officials for personal and material interest.
Following searches carried out this morning at the suspects' residence, car and office, conclusive evidence was found for criminal investigation. The man was detained for 72 hours. Investigations continue to identify all connections and prove the facts. We would like to point out that the deputy mayor detained today is also targeted in another criminal case of illicit enrichment.
The NAC reminds that any person shall be presumed innocent until a final and irrevocable decision is rendered by the court.