Why seized criminal assets in Moldova take years to reach the state budget

The Agency for Recovery of Criminal Assets (ARBI) processed 280 requests from prosecutors and law enforcement between January and December this year. During this period, the agency seized assets totaling 191.7 million lei.

U.S.-backed project inaugurates new hearing room for child victims at Chisinau Court

The Chisinau Courthouse has recently opened a special hearing room designed for child victims and witnesses of crimes. This initiative aims to prevent the revictimization of minors and to provide a sensitive, needs-adapted approach to judicial proceedings. The project was accomplished with financial support from the United States Government.

Andrei Galațchi, sentenced to four years in prison for illegal financing of the "Șansa" party

He transferred 1.42 million lei to activists of the "Șansa" Party, which is affiliated with the convicted Ilan Shor. The money was intended for the illegal financing of the party, including support for a candidate and the organization of meetings. Andrei Galațchi, a former candidate for mayor of Cricova, a suburb of Chișinău, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of illegally financing political parties using prohibited sources.

Moldova’s former president faces rival’s testimony in kuliok bribery trial

Igor Dodon, the former President of Moldova and leader of the Socialist Party, has publicly welcomed the decision of his long-time rival, Vladimir Plahotniuc, to testify in the high-profile "kuliok" (black bag) corruption trial.

Venice Commission finds Moldova’s PACCO judicial reform lacks justification

Moldovan authorities have launched broad consultations to decide the future of a controversial judicial reform that would create a unified Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office (PACCO).

Former speaker Andrian Candu questioned in Moldova's $1 billion theft investigation

In the high-profile Moldova bank fraud case—generically known as the "theft of the billion"—the public should expect "defiant posturing" and must "remain patient," warns Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu.

Experts slam Moldova’s PACCO judicial reform as ineffective following critical report

The creation of a new unified prosecution body in Moldova, known as PACCO, is a "recipe for failure" that ignores years of functional expertise, according to justice expert Alexandru Bot.

Convictions and restitution in the "Banca de Economii" fraud case

Two individuals were sentenced to nine and five years in prison, respectively, for money laundering and large-scale fraud in a case involving 4.4 million lei in damages to SA ‘Banca de Economii,’ according to a ruling by the Chisinau Court in Buiucani.

Shor case: former Călărași organization president convicted

The former president of the Călărași territorial organization of the “Șor” party, which was declared unconstitutional in 2023, has been sentenced to four years in prison for complicity in accepting illegal financing from an organized criminal group.

Justice Reform Forum 2025: Pledges for independent, fast, incorruptible, and accessible justice

The reform of the justice system in the Republic of Moldova is currently at a crucial stage. While there has been recognition of progress at the European level, significant challenges remain. Key priorities highlighted at the 7th edition of the Forum "Justice Reform and Combating Corruption," held on December 16 in Chisinau, include the ongoing evaluation of judges and prosecutors, the acceleration of corruption cases, and the digitalization of the justice system.

Moscow court sentences ICC chief prosecutor in direct retaliation for Putin warrant

Russia’s judicial system has sentenced the chief prosecutor and eight judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to lengthy prison terms in absentia.

Decline in ECtHR complaints from Moldova explained by new preventive and compensatory measures

The Republic of Moldova is making considerable progress in implementing the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). However, it still faces significant challenges, particularly in areas requiring substantial investment, according to Andrei Briceac, the Government Agent of the Republic of Moldova at the ECtHR.