Several people, including a mayor, a lawyer, a business operator and a former police officer, investigated by the NAC for demanding a bribe worth 12 million lei

The National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC), under the procedural leadership of the Chisinau City Prosecutor's Office, is conducting actions within the framework of a criminal case targeting a group of people suspected of corruption and influence peddling in connection with the procedure of a public auction regarding the lease of a 27-hectare land plot containing mineral deposits. Among the targeted individuals are a mayor, a business operator, a former police officer and a lawyer.

According to preliminary data, they allegedly intervened in the public procurement process, designating a recently established commercial company as the winner. Subsequently, in exchange for an amount of 12 million lei, the group was willing to transfer this company, along with the rights to the won auction, or to sign a subcontract.

In the same criminal case, it was established that the suspects allegedly demanded and received percentages from the sale of mineral deposits, reducing the market price by approximately 1,800,000 lei, under the pretext of influencing decision-makers within the Cosăuți City Hall to issue permissive documents in favour of a local economic agent. Also, for the cancellation of the initial auction and the designation of another winner, they allegedly demanded a bribe worth 500,000 lei.

Currently, the NAC officers are conducting searches at the homes and offices of the persons involved, and documents relevant to the criminal case have been seized. All persons have been recognized as suspects and are to be investigated at liberty.

The National Anti-corruption Centre and the Chișinău Prosecutor's Office continue the procedural actions to document all the facts and hold the persons involved accountable.

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