A man, investigated by NAC, APO and the INI, was sentenced to 4 years in prison for illegal financing of a former political party. The court ordered the confiscation of 1,420,000 lei for the benefit of the state

The Chisinau Court, Buiucani, pronounced the sentence of conviction of a man, found guilty of illegal financing of political parties from sources prohibited by law (art. 30 and art. 181³ of the Criminal Code).

The court imposed a sentence of 4 years in prison, to be served in a semi-closed penitentiary. Until the final sentence is rendered, the preventive measure of pre-trial detention and the search file were maintained against the defendant. The court also ordered the confiscation of 1,420,000 lei for the benefit of the state, considered financial means used to commit the crime.

At the same time, the amount of 18,200 lei was collected for the benefit of the state, as legal expenses incurred for the preparation of forensic expert reports, and two mobile phones, a laptop, as well as sums of money worth 1,514 US dollars, 30 pounds sterling, 3,980 euros and 36,800 lei, recognized as corpus delicti, were confiscated.

According to the evidence administered by the National Anti-corruption Centre, jointly with the Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office and the National Investigation Inspectorate, the defendant allegedly carried out, between November 2023 and March 2024, illegal activities in the interest of a former political party, in cooperation with other persons against whom the criminal investigation continues.

These activities were allegedly part of a well-organized criminal scheme. The defendant allegedly had the role of distributing the sum of 1,420,000 lei to subordinate activists, money intended for the illegal financing of the party, including for promoting the image of the party, supporting a candidate, providing political services, distributing electoral materials and organizing meetings.

The financial means were transmitted contrary to the legal regulations on the financing of political parties, without being declared or accounted for.

Prosecutors are to decide, within 15 days, whether to appeal the sentence.

Note: The person accused of committing a crime shall be presumed innocent as long as his guilt is not established by a final court decision.