Court remands nine suspects in Moldova investment fraud case
A court in Moldova on Saturday remanded nine people in custody over an alleged international investment fraud scheme involving fake stock and cryptocurrency platforms operated through a call centre, police said.
How the alleged investment scam worked
The suspects, aged between 22 and 43, allegedly belonged to a criminal group that defrauded people in several countries by promising quick and substantial returns on investments.
According to the police, the group used online advertising to attract potential investors, particularly older people. Victims were encouraged to invest in stocks or cryptocurrencies through pre-established investment and trading platforms.
Fake financial experts and polygraph tests
Investigators found that the group allegedly operated under the guise of a company with a credible-sounding name, with its members posing as financial experts.
People recruited to work for the group were reportedly subjected to polygraph tests to ensure they would not disclose information about the alleged criminal activities.
Nine people detained following searches
Officers from the National Investigation Inspectorate's organised crime division and criminal investigation department, together with PCCOCS prosecutors and members of the Fulger Special Police Brigade, conducted searches at the call centre allegedly used by the group.
The nine suspects are citizens of the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. They include the alleged leader of the criminal group.
The investigation is ongoing.
Police said all those concerned are presumed innocent until a final court ruling establishes otherwise.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
