Two police officers in the Republic of Moldova are facing criminal proceedings after allegedly stopping a young woman, forcibly checking her phone, and demanding 3,000 lei while invoking her sexual orientation.
The criminal investigation was launched on April 15, 2026, after the Internal Protection and Anti-Corruption Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs gathered sufficient evidence.
The case became public on March 19, when Angelica Frolov, director of GENDERDOC-M, reported the incident. Initially, police denied any discriminatory element, stating that the intervention had been routine.
According to GENDERDOC-M, the woman was stopped by two officers, her phone was forcibly checked, and after discovering personal photos, they demanded money. The organization also stated that the victim was later discouraged from filing a complaint.
Based on materials collected by SPIA, authorities consolidated the case into a single procedure and formally opened criminal proceedings against the officers.
GENDERDOC-M said it will continue to monitor the case and called for a prompt and impartial investigation.