APP director Roman Cojuhari steps down amid Moldatsa controversy
Roman Cojuhari announced his resignation as the director general of the Public Property Agency (APP) on the evening of June 29, just a week after the Moldatsa scandal emerged. He took responsibility for the inadequate oversight of Moldatsa's former management's financial decisions.
The Public Property Agency (APP) is responsible for overseeing Moldatsa's activities. In fulfilling this responsibility, a thorough verification of the documents and decisions submitted by the former director, Dumitru Vangheli (who was dismissed last week), was deemed necessary. While the company's executive body is responsible for the salary policy, the significance and impact of these decisions indicate that a comprehensive analysis and heightened scrutiny by the APP were essential.
Roman Cojuhari expressed these thoughts in a message shared on his Facebook page. He also pointed out that the credibility of the APP team has been affected after allegations surfaced that the former director of Moldatsa had falsified his CV when applying for the position and that the president's cousin, Maia Sandu, received a salary of tens of thousands of lei monthly.
"I care about the team, whose credibility has suffered during this period. I also care about the future of the Republic of Moldova and want our country to continue on its European path, strengthen its institutions, and ensure the efficient, transparent, and responsible management of public assets and finances. Out of respect for these values and to protect the image of the institution and our team, I have decided to resign from my position as General Director of the APP," Cojuhari added.
Roman Cojuhari has been the head of the Public Properties Agency since June 2023. Prior to this role, he served as the head of the State Enterprise "Poșta Moldovei."
Today, Radu Marian, a deputy from the Action and Solidarity Party, announced his resignation as chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance. This decision comes amid a scandal involving alleged salary abuses at the state enterprise Moldatsa.
Marian accepted responsibility for recommending Dumitru Vangheli for the leadership of Moldatsa. He and Vangheli have known each other since childhood, but Marian claims he was unaware of any irregularities happening within the institution.
The scandal at Moldatsa has led to several significant resignations, starting on June 22, when the Board of Directors dismissed Dumitru Vangheli due to a loss of confidence. This decision followed an investigation by Ziarul de Garda, which revealed that Vangheli had falsified his curriculum vitae regarding his education and aeronautical experience, as well as promoted individuals closely connected to the institution.
Additionally, a subsequent investigation by Rise Moldova uncovered that the company's former spokesperson, Anastasia Taburceanu, who is also the cousin of President Maia Sandu, had received over 1 million lei in less than a year, with a salary projected to exceed 120,000 lei per month by 2026. Taburceanu has since resigned, promising to return the bonuses she received.
