Ex-judge in Moldova faces asset seizure over €15,000 gap
Moldova's National Integrity Authority (ANI) has uncovered €15,318 (approx. 301,776 MDL) in unjustified wealth linked to Vitalie Stratan, former Vice President of the Chisinau Court's Central seat, and his family.
According to the official finding issued on July 13, inspectors identified substantial discrepancies between the family's declared income and their actual acquisitions during 2017–2018 and 2024.
Confiscation and public office ban
ANI announced it will refer the case to court to seek full confiscation of the unexplained assets. The authority has also ordered the immediate termination of Stratan's current employment and public service roles.
Once the finding becomes legally binding, Stratan faces a three-year ban from holding public office and will be listed in the official state register of barred officials.
Investigation details and appeal process
The integrity review began after a March 2025 complaint regarding the purchase of a 66.9-square-meter apartment bought at a preferential price in 2014. Inspectors also evaluated an undeclared 200,000 MDL loan from a close relative spanning 2015 to 2021.
The comprehensive audit covered the period from August 1, 2016, to April 7, 2025, evaluating all income, property, and wealth changes across Stratan's family. Stratan retains the right to appeal the ruling at the Center Court of Appeal within 30 days.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
