National Integrity Authority detects over 1.5 million lei unjustified wealth in case of Marina Tauber
Former MP Marina Tauber, who was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison in connection with the illegal financing of the former "Șor" Party, is now facing a new finding from the National Integrity Authority (ANI). Inspectors discovered a significant discrepancy of 1,555,258 lei between her acquired assets, reported income, and actual expenses incurred during the period from April 1, 2020, to December 10, 2024.
According to integrity inspectors, the amount in question represents 132.8 average salaries in the economy. This discrepancy arises from differences between declared income and actual expenses, including rent, utilities, goods leasing, and other current payments. The largest difference was identified in 2023, with a negative balance exceeding 1.38 million lei.
The ANI (National Integrity Authority) initiated its control following a complaint filed in November 2024. This complaint focused on donations declared by Marina Tauber for 2023, which included 43,000 dollars and 26,000 euros. The former MP claimed that the funds were gifts received during the winter holidays, on her birthday, and for International Women's Day on March 8. However, she refused to disclose information about the donors.
The authority stated that without this information, it was impossible to verify the donors' existence, financial capacity, or the source of the money. As a result, these amounts could not be recognized as legitimate income.
ANI also investigated a loan of 60,000 dollars that Tauber declared. However, it was found that the individual listed as the creditor was not in the Republic of Moldova at the time the contract was allegedly signed. Furthermore, bank transfers did not confirm the funds were remitted. Additionally, the loan was not included in the creditor's wealth declarations, leading to its exclusion from justified income.
The case is set to be sent to court for the confiscation of unjustified wealth. If the ruling is upheld, Marina Tauber will be prohibited from holding public office for three years and will be entered into the State Register of individuals banned from holding positions as stipulated in Law No. 133/2016 regarding the declaration of wealth and personal interests.
On September 30, 2025, Chisinau Court in Buiucani sentenced Marina Tauber, in absentia, to seven years and six months in prison, to be served in a semi-closed penitentiary. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of over 206 million lei for the state's benefit. This sentence is not yet final.
Marina Tauber is also accused of falsifying financial reports during her 2018 mayoral campaign in Balti. Prosecutors allege that she received approximately 9.7 million lei from the "Șor" group but reported only 750,000 lei in the documents, claiming it came from 104 individuals who, in reality, did not make any donations.
Tauber left the Republic of Moldova in January 2025 and was placed on an international wanted list, including through Interpol. Authorities believe she is currently in the Russian Federation.
Both the defense and the prosecutors have contested the first-instance sentence. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office considers the imposed penalty too lenient and is appealing to the Centru Court of Appeal for a 13-year prison sentence.
