The NAC and PCCOCS conducted searches in an embezzlement case involving a sea vessel valued at $26,000,000

The NAC officers and PCCOCS prosecutors are criminally investigating several individuals from Chisinau, following the illegal seizure of ownership of a sea vessel valued at 26,000,000 dollars. Today, individuals suspected (citizens of Moldova) of being involved in this scheme to embezzle foreign assets were subjected to searches, targeting the residences and offices of founders and administrators of resident companies involved in managing the vessel's activities.

Among them is a person who was carrying out economic activity in partnership with other individuals. He or she was allegedly misled when, within the framework of the ship's sale scheme, he or she was determined to conclude a surety contract with a person designated by the organizers.

According to the agreement, it was to act formally as a de jure beneficiary of a legal entity, but in the interest of the de facto beneficiary, who held a share of the share capital. Based on these arrangements, at the request of the de facto beneficiary, a major asset – the maritime vessel – was to be retransmitted.

Subsequently, according to the investigation, the designated person would have ignored the requests of the de facto beneficiary and, acting on the instructions of other members of the group, would have used and illegally alienated the vessel, depriving it of its due share, which caused it significant damage. Consequently, the effective beneficiary of the economic activity generated by the vessel would have become another economic agent.

The criminal investigation is being conducted by the PCCOCS prosecutors, in collaboration with the NAC officers. The investigations continue, in order to establish all the circumstances and the persons involved, during which they benefit from the presumption of innocence, according to the law.