Proposed PACCO merger threatens to destabilize anti-corruption efforts, LRCM report finds

The proposed creation of the Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office (PACCO) through the merger of Moldova’s specialized units lacks sufficient justification. It risks undermining the fight against high-level corruption, according to a recent analysis by the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (LRCM).

Moldovan ex-mayor faces 9 years for fatal hit-and-run of teenager

Prosecutors have requested a nine-year prison sentence for Nicanor Ciochină, the former Mayor of Boldurești. He is accused of the fatal February 2024 hit-and-run of a 14-year-old boy.

Moldovan authorities seek international warrant for ex-IGP Chief after corruption sentencing

The former head of Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (IGP), Alexandru Pînzari, remains at large nine days after being sentenced to three years in prison.

Moldova to close legislative loopholes allowing high-profile criminals to flee

Moldova’s Parliament is moving to close legislative gaps that allow high-profile defendants to flee to the breakaway Transnistrian region or abroad just moments before their sentencing. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu admitted that poor inter-institutional coordination has facilitated these escapes and promised urgent legal amendments.

Moldovan judges keep former power broker Plahotniuc in custody until late February

A Chisinau court extended the preventive detention of former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc for an additional 30 days on Wednesday. The ruling ensures the high-profile defendant will remain in custody until at least February 22, 2026.

Soroca magistrate's return to bench denied amid DUI and conduct allegations

The Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) has rejected an appeal by Judge Ghenadie Tocaiuc to resume his duties at the Soroca Court. The magistrate remains suspended as he faces a criminal investigation for driving under the influence (DUI).

Prisoner extorts woman from behind bars: 12-year sentence for systematic blackmail

A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after extorting €34,000 (approx. 666,400 MDL) from a woman over a six-year period. The defendant used sexually explicit images to blackmail the victim, even forcing her to purchase a vehicle for him following his release from a previous jail term.

Convicted police colonel claims political persecution in Plahotniuc-linked ghost employment case

Valeriu Cojocaru, the former head of Moldova’s Special Operations Directorate (DOS), confirmed he is currently in Hungary after being sentenced to three years in prison on January 19.

Over 100 vehicles seized in Chișinău in smuggling investigation

Authorities are investigating a smuggling scheme involving transport methods, allegedly linked to citizens from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, following searches in Chisinau.

19 ECtHR cases highlight serious human rights violations in Transnistrian region

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has communicated with the governments of the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation regarding 19 cases involving alleged serious human rights violations in the Transnistrian region.

Driver detained after serious Cimișlia crash that claimed the lives of a young man and a baby

A 36-year-old man was detained on Thursday, January 15, following a serious road accident involving a Mercedes car that occurred on January 14 on the R-3 road, heading toward the Cimișlia district, according to a police announcement.

Two prosecutors in Moldova clear external evaluation following pre-vetting failure

The acting chief prosecutor of the Political and Project Management Section of the Prosecutor General's Office, Gheorghe Borș, along with prosecutor Vitalie Codreanu, recognized for his involvement in managing the "kuliok" case, has been found to have no issues regarding ethical or financial integrity. On January 15, the Superior Council of Prosecutors (CSP) approved the reports from the External Evaluation Commission, which recommended that the two state prosecutors undergo a vetting process for promotion.