Penitentiary No. 9 director detained; ANP reacts

On Tuesday, July 8, the Director of Penitentiary No. 9 in Pruncul was detained as part of a criminal investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The National Penitentiary Administration (ANP) has confirmed this information and stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigators involved in the case.

Former BEM chief's conviction upheld on appeal

The Centru Court of Appeal upheld the 10-year prison sentence for Viorel Bârca, the former interim president of "Banca de Economii" (BEM). The appeal court rejected both the prosecutors' appeal and the appeal filed by the defendant's lawyers against the sentence issued by the Chisinau Court in Buiucani in January 2024, deeming them both unfounded.

59-country operation rescues Moldovan woman in Greece

A 34-year-old woman from the Republic of Moldova, who was a victim of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, has been rescued and safely repatriated to her home country. This rescue was part of the international operation titled "Global Chain," which was conducted across 59 countries.

Five new judges appointed to Supreme Court

Ana Cucerescu, Alexandru Negru, Sergiu Stratan, and Gheorghe Stratulat from the Chisinau District Court, along with Elena Croitor, have been appointed as the new judges of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ). The decree promoting them was signed by President Maia Sandu on July 3.

Court orders 30 day pre trial detention for state secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture

On July 4, the Chișinău Court based in Ciocana granted prosecutors' request in full and ordered a 30 day pre trial detention for Tatiana Nistorică, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, in her absence. On the same day, the business representative was placed in pre trial detention for 20 days.

GRECO urges leaders to promote integrity and anti-corruption efforts

While reforms in law enforcement institutions are moving forward, the integrity of key executive functions in the Republic of Moldova remains uncertain. This structural issue, highlighted in the compliance report by the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) of the Council of Europe, has drawn attention in Brussels, as it is a vital focus area for the EU under the “Fundamentals” cluster for accession.

Promo-LEX expert highlights prison issues and slow torture investigations

The Republic of Moldova is making gradual progress in human rights; however, prison conditions and the investigation of torture cases remain significant areas of concern. Vadim Vieru, an expert from the Promo-LEX Association, highlights that prison overcrowding and a shortage of medical personnel continue to impact the system, despite some improvements.

CNA and Anti Corruption Prosecutors search MoldATSA

Officers from the National Anticorruption Center, under the direction of the Anti Corruption Prosecutor's Office, are searching the headquarters of MoldATSA. The searches are part of a criminal investigation into reasonable suspicions of aggravated abuse of office, CNA officials told Moldova 1 TV.

Ex-deputy minister gets 8 years in prison over alleged Shor group-linked actions

Former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Veaceslav Ceban, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in organizing the assassination of two prosecutors from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in 2020. Ceban, along with six other individuals, allegedly gathered information on behalf of the convicted Ilan Șor. Among the targeted prosecutors was a deputy prosecutor involved in investigating the "theft of the billion."

Moldovan authorities aim to improve anti-torture measures

The Republic of Moldova's "moderate risk" rating in the Global Torture Index 2026 conceals significant vulnerabilities. In four of the seven assessed areas, the risk is substantial, with the most serious issues identified in detention conditions, police abuses, impunity, and victims' rights. Consequently, the seemingly positive overall score masks serious structural problems, warns the Promo-LEX Association, which collected the data for the Republic of Moldova.

Illegal valuables discovered at Chisinau airport: gold, cash and cigarettes seized

A man attempted to fly out of Moldova with ten gold bars in his luggage. He was left without his belongings and now faces sanctions.

Three Moldovans accused of illegal border crossing scheme involving €4,500

Three members of an organized crime group were charged with orchestrating the illegal migration of foreign citizens into the European Union. They promised citizens of Tajikistan that they would help them cross the border in exchange for 4,500 euros. The plan was thwarted when one of the migrants was apprehended by Romanian authorities immediately after swimming across the Prut.