The NAC Synthesis: department head within AIPA remanded in custody; a man detained for transferring 60,000 dollars intended for bribing officials; assets worth 17.8 million lei seized

The National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC) presents the main actions carried out last week regarding the fight against and prevention of corruption, as well as the recovery of criminal assets.

During the reporting period, the NAC officers detained a department head from the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA) in a criminal case initiated for influence peddling. According to preliminary data, the suspect allegedly demanded and received 130,000 lei from the representative of a business entity, claiming to have influence over members of the AIPA committee and the ability to induce them to make a favorable decision regarding the acceptance of the application and the granting of the requested subsidy. Subsequently, the suspect was remanded in custody for 30 days.

Additionally, the NAC officers conducted searches in an active corruption case. Following these actions, a man suspected of facilitating—via electronic wallets—the transfer of 60,000 dollars (part of a total sum of 120,000 dollars intended for bribing public officials) was detained. The funds were allegedly offered so that officials would refrain from documenting certain criminal activities.

Also last week, a man from Cimișlia was caught red-handed and detained on suspicion of influence peddling. He allegedly demanded and received 1,500 euros, claiming to have influence over employees of the National Inspectorate of Public Security (INSP).

During the period under review, criminal investigation officers initiated 3 new criminal cases and recommended 8 cases for referral to court. Currently, 3 individuals are held in the NAC detention centre, while another 19 defendants in cases managed by the NAC are held in pre-trial detention in penitentiaries.

The Criminal Assets Recovery Agency (CARA) seized 73 assets valued at approximately 17.8 million lei. Furthermore, 140,000 lei was confiscated/seized, a freezing order was issued on a vehicle, and 3.8 million lei was deposited into the treasury accounts of the NAC.

In the area of corruption prevention, the NAC submitted 17 expert evaluation reports and 1 advisory opinion on draft legislative acts to the authors. Additionally, one strategic analysis and two operational analyses were completed. The National Anti-corruption Hotline received 64 calls, and 1,666 materials were registered in the institution's Chancellery.