---
title: "New suspect detained over alleged $400,000 bribe scheme"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/82609/new-suspect-detained-over-alleged-400-000-bribe-scheme
published: 2026-08-07T15:29:25Z
language: en
author: "Nicoleta Borodin"
section: "Justice"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# New suspect detained over alleged $400,000 bribe scheme

> Another suspect has been detained in a case involving an alleged $400,000 bribe. The man is suspected of facilitating the transfer of $60,000 through electronic wallets.

![colaj TRM](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/4252bb5b-b1b5-4211-984b-1fc527da450b.jpg)

*Sursa: colaj TRM*

Another suspect has been detained in a case involving an alleged $400,000 bribe. The man is suspected of facilitating the transfer of $60,000 through electronic wallets.

According to case materials, the funds were intended for public officials in exchange for certain criminal activities not being documented.

The suspect was detained following searches conducted by officers of Moldova’s National Anticorruption Center (CNA), under the procedural supervision of the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office (PA).

The operation is part of the same case in which, on March 31, a prosecutor and four police officers were detained on suspicion of complicity in soliciting a $400,000 bribe.

*“Investigative measures are continuing in the case to establish all the circumstances and identify all persons involved,”* the CNA said in a statement.

The case became public in late March. Those investigated include Daniel Plugaru, the son of former prosecutor Victor Plugaru; prosecutor Cristin Ghemu; and two officers of the National Investigation Inspectorate (INI), Valeriu Ceban and Andrei Ciobanu.

Daniel Plugaru was detained on March 28. According to the CNA, he allegedly claimed to have influence over people in law enforcement institutions and demanded a $400,000 bribe in exchange for securing a favorable decision in a criminal case. His lawyer, Victor Mazniuc, says Plugaru does not admit to the charges.

Prosecutor Cristin Ghemu is accused of complicity in passive bribery. He is alleged to have received two cryptocurrency transfers worth a total of $55,000. The two INI officers are likewise accused of complicity in bribery.

Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office chief Marcel Dumbravan previously told Moldova 1 that the case represents a first for Moldova’s justice system because the first installment of the alleged bribe was transferred neither in cash nor through bank transfers, but in virtual currency.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**