The Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, Evghenia Gutul, was detained Tuesday evening while attempting to leave through Chisinau International Airport and is now in custody for 72 hours. The Border Police confirmed the information.
Authorities detained Gutul after identifying her in information systems as a subject of an official alert. Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin stated that Gutul planned to fly from Chisinau to Istanbul before authorities detained her. One of the scenarios under investigation suggests that she intended not to return to the country.
“On the evening of March 25, 2025, the Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia attempted to exit through Chisinau International Airport. Routine border control checks identified her in information systems under an official alert. Border control officers immediately notified the competent authorities, following legal procedures. Subsequently, the National Anticorruption Center, under the coordination of the Chisinau Prosecutor’s Office, detained her for 72 hours,” the Border Police stated.
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Minister Misail-Nichitin emphasized that border police acted according to procedures since Gutul was under an official alert. She also urged political parties not to politicize the case.
“Officials took all necessary measures according to procedures and notified the competent authorities. They will determine the charges in this case. (…) All scenarios are under review, including the possibility that she intended to leave Moldova without returning,” the minister stated.
Authorities are currently investigating the case to clarify all circumstances.
Earlier that day, the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office announced that prosecutors had finished presenting evidence against Evghenia Gutul and a secretary from the former Central Office of the “Shor” Political Party. Prosecutors accuse them of aiding and abetting the illegal financing of a political party and an electoral candidate through an organized criminal group.