Head of the Ocnița Environmental Protection Inspectorate and two senior inspectors detained by the NAC and prosecutors in several cases of passive corruption

The National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC), under the leadership of the Bălți Municipal Prosecutor's Office, has announced the detention of the head of the Ocnița Environmental Protection Inspectorate and two senior inspectors, targeted in several cases of passive corruption.

According to preliminary materials, decision-makers and employees of the institution allegedly accepted and received illicit financial means systematically from transporters, firewood traders and foresters responsible for certain sectors of the forest fund. In exchange for these amounts, they allegedly avoided documenting and sanctioning illegal deforestation activities in the forests and forest strips in the region.  

At the same time, other prejudicial facts were found during the criminal investigation, and six more distinct criminal cases for passive corruption were initiated. On May 5, 2026, the NAC officers, together with prosecutors from the Balti Prosecutor's Office, Main Office, conducted searches, as a result of which the three individuals were detained for 72 hours.

The National Anti-corruption Centre states that investigations into the case continue to establish all the circumstances and identify all the individuals involved.

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