Political Pressure and Espionage: Mărinuță's Admission Sparks Investigation
Former Moldovan Minister of Defense, Vitalie Mărinuță asserts that he faced political pressure to appoint Igor Gorgan as Chief of the General Staff of the National Army in 2013 amidst suspicions of espionage in favour of the Russian Federation.
Speaking on a podcast with Ziarul de Gardă (ZdG), Mărinuță expressed his readiness to provide testimony and collaborate with authorities in the "Gorgan" case, which has stirred public opinion following The Insider's recent disclosure of correspondence on Telegram between Gorgan and Colonel Alexei Makarov from the Russian Federation's external military intelligence service (GRU).
Mărinuță emphasises that Gorgan's appointment was based on political considerations and acknowledges enduring political pressures during his tenure from 2009 to 2014. Despite resistance, he maintains that his influence waned against the backdrop of Gorgan's rising stature. Mărinuță candidly admits to engaging in a political agreement, hoping to exert control over Gorgan, but expresses regret at the eventual outcome.
Regarding negotiations for a new government, Mărinuță reveals that he agreed to Gorgan's appointment as Commander of the National Army with the condition of increased military funding. He clarifies that personal gain was not a motivating factor, highlighting instead the tumultuous nature of his departure from office.
Mărinuță anticipates being summoned to the prosecutor's office to provide testimony in the "Gorgan" case. He points out repeated meetings between Gorgan and the Russian military attaché, suggesting potential oversight in monitoring such interactions.
Meanwhile, Igor Gorgan has refrained from commenting on the accusations against him. His father, Alexandru Gorgan, former deputy minister of Defense, remains sceptical of the evidence presented in the journalistic investigation.
The Prosecutor General announced plans to investigate the Intelligence and Security Service and the Ministry of Defense for their delayed intervention in Igor Gorgan's case. Should the allegations against Gorgan prove true, he could face charges of treason.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
