The National Anticorruption Center (CNA), together with prosecutors from the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office (PA), carried out around 30 searches on Wednesday as part of a criminal investigation into alleged abuse of office and the fraudulent acquisition of funds from external financing programs. The operation targets several business entities and public officials.
According to investigators, beginning in 2020, a representative of a company specializing in the design of water supply and sewage systems allegedly developed a corruption scheme that favored certain companies in public procurement procedures financed through external funds.
Specifically, technical specifications and procurement documentation were allegedly drafted to match exclusively the products of a particular supplier. Investigators believe these requirements were coordinated in advance to ensure that contracts financed by external funds would be awarded to pre-selected companies. As a result, contracting authorities allegedly purchased materials and equipment at higher prices than would have been possible under fair competition.
Authorities estimate that the national budget and external funds allocated for water supply and sanitation infrastructure projects sustained particularly large losses. The preliminary damage is estimated at 14,544,504.11 Moldovan lei.
As part of the criminal investigation, approximately 30 searches are being conducted in several localities across the country to establish all the circumstances of the case and identify everyone involved.
Three individuals have been detained for 72 hours and placed in the CNA detention facility, while seven others have been officially recognized as suspects and are being investigated while remaining at liberty.
The investigation is ongoing.