Moldova cracks down on Interpol bribery scheme
This week, Moldovan authorities seized two vehicles worth over 1.2 million lei as part of an ongoing investigation into a corruption scheme that involved blocking Interpol Red Notices.
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, with the support of the Agency for Recovery of Criminal Assets (ARBI), confiscated these vehicles, believed to be part of the bribes paid to corrupt officials.
In total, authorities have seized assets worth over 11.7 million lei across Moldova. Prosecutor General Veronica Dragalin announced this development in a recent video statement.
The investigation, a joint effort between Moldova and France, centres on a scheme where Moldovan public officials, in collusion with international actors, accepted bribes to block Interpol Red Notices for wanted criminals.
Evidence suggests that a Moldovan lawyer and a former Interpol official, with the help of a UAE-based company, submitted fraudulent documents to Interpol to obtain the blocking of Red Notices. They allegedly exploited the asylum system to shield criminals from international arrest warrants.
At least 26 individuals benefited from this scheme, hindering criminal investigations worldwide. On June 7, 2024, Interpol unblocked the Red Notices for these individuals, thanks to the efforts of Moldovan authorities.
To ensure the recovery of illicit gains, authorities have seized various assets, including:
- A house and construction land in Chisinau
- A partial ownership of an apartment in Chisinau
- A partial ownership of a house in Vadul lui Vodă
- Parking spaces in Chisinau
- A Toyota Camry
- A Range Rover
- A partial ownership of a Skoda Octavia
- A partial ownership of a Mercedes GLC
- Bank accounts in euros and US dollars
- Cash in euros and US dollars
This ongoing investigation highlights the significant impact of corruption on international law enforcement and underscores the commitment of Moldovan authorities to combating such crimes.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
