Phones bought in Italy and sold illegally in Moldova; €1M+ revenue and arrests in smuggling case
Eight people were detained in Balti in a smuggling and money-laundering case involving more than 1 million euros. The suspects allegedly set in motion a complex scheme through which they illegally imported state-of-the-art phones into the Republic of Moldova, hidden in luggage and parcels, and later sold them on the black market.
Law enforcement officials report that a group, which includes representatives from both domestic and foreign companies, allegedly established a well-organized criminal operation specializing in the illegal importation of mobile phones purchased in Italy and the laundering of income generated from their sales.
The devices were reportedly transported to the Republic of Moldova via regular passenger and parcel flights. To evade import duties and customs inspections, the phones were concealed among luggage and undeclared goods.
Once in Moldova, the phones reached individuals and businesses affiliated with the group, who sold them through specialized stores and online platforms, fully aware of their illegal origin.
The investigation revealed that the sales revenue was collected and temporarily held at currency exchange offices in Chisinau. After accumulating amounts between €70,000 and €100,000, the money was transferred to international passenger and parcel carriers, who clandestinely transported it to European Union countries, particularly Belgium, without declaring it to customs authorities.
To create the illusion of legitimate income, the funds were funneled into the economic circuit through companies controlled by group members and registered in Belgium. From there, the money was transferred to Italy, reaching the final beneficiaries of the scheme.
In total, approximately 13 individuals and six legal entities were involved in these illicit activities, including international transport operators and representatives of currency exchange offices.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the group illegally imported and sold mobile phones worth over €1 million, harming the state budget and generating substantial illicit income. Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigations to identify all individuals involved and to fully document the criminal scheme.
