Former Moldovan MP Viorel Melnic has been sent to trial in a case in which prosecutors accuse him of illegal financing of political parties and money laundering.
The investigation has been completed and the case has been submitted to the Buiucani District Court of Chisinau, where it will be examined on its merits.
According to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Melnic allegedly acted unofficially in the interests of political parties associated with the “Victory/Pobeda” Political Bloc. Prosecutors say he acted together with other individuals and used intermediaries to channel funds to the political formations from sources prohibited by law.
Between July and September 2025, Melnic allegedly received money in three installments, including 300,000 Moldovan lei, 54,000 euros, 100,000 US dollars and an additional 16,000 euros.
Prosecutors estimate the total amount at approximately 3.33 million lei.
According to the investigation, the money was subsequently transferred to other individuals and allegedly used to finance activities connected with the “Victory/Pobeda” bloc.
Part of the funds was allegedly used to promote the bloc’s public image. Prosecutors say the money was also used for renovation work at a football stadium in Orhei and for the renovation and reconstruction of apartment-block courtyards in several settlements in southern Moldova.
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office alleges that the funds were not properly accounted for or declared by the political formations.
Prosecutors further claim that the money was used to support a candidate during Moldova’s September 28, 2025 parliamentary elections, as well as to finance participation in meetings and rallies and other services allegedly provided for the benefit of the political formations.
Investigators also allege that part of the illicit funds was transferred and converted through USDT cryptocurrency transactions.
According to prosecutors, the cryptocurrency operations were carried out through an intermediary allegedly linked to businessman and politician Ilan Șor, who was reportedly responsible for sending funds to Moldova in cryptocurrency.
The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office says the method was allegedly used to conceal the origin of the money before the funds were subsequently used to finance the “Victory/Pobeda” bloc illegally.
To secure the potential payment of a fine and the application of special confiscation, prosecutors have imposed a seizure on funds covering the alleged total value of the illegal financing.
The case has now been formally submitted to the Buiucani District Court of Chisinau for trial.
The “Victory/Pobeda” Political Bloc was publicly promoted but was not registered by Moldova’s electoral authorities. According to the prosecution, it was effectively made up of individuals who had previously been active on behalf of the Șor Party, which was declared unconstitutional and subsequently removed from Moldova’s State Register of Legal Entities.
The allegations against Melnic have not been established by a final court judgment. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law.