Over 102 000 euros and 680 000 lei seized by the NAC and prosecutors in a case of embezzlement and forgery of public documents at a forestry district subordinated to the State Enterprise "Hîncești-Silva"

Officers of the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC), together with prosecutors from the Chișinău Municipality Prosecutor's Office, conducted searches this morning in several localities in the districts of Hîncești, Ialoveni and Cimișlia. The actions took place within a criminal case of embezzlement of foreign assets and forgery of public documents, targeting seven public figures from a forestry district subordinated to the State Enterprise "Hîncești-Silva".

According to the evidence administered, the officials allegedly organized fictitious hiring of seasonal workers, including relatives and people abroad. Although they were not actually working, they were listed on the timesheets, and the salaries calculated and paid on their behalf were allegedly appropriated by the management of the forestry district. The estimated damage amounts to approximately 466 000 lei. At the same time, the targeted individuals are suspected of the illicit alienation of the timber, without accounting documents or by reusing the same tax invoices, in order to appropriate the funds obtained from the sales.

Following the searches, over 102 000 euros, 680 000 lei, 17 bank cards and other objects relevant to the investigation were seized. The seven individuals were recognized as suspects and are being investigated at large.

The NAC and the Chisinau City Prosecutor's Office continue the criminal investigation to identify the entire circle of persons involved and establish all the circumstances of the case.

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