Igor Dodon and denigrating flyers about Maia Sandu
How flyers, printed illegally reach houses of voters from all districts of the Republic of Moldova
Pliantele aduse la sediul Uniunii Ofițerilor din Moldova Foto: CIJM
Author: Victoria Dodon
07/11/2016 75633
Flyers containing denigrating and manipulating messages about the candidate of the Party Action and Solidarity Maia Sandu are shared in full presidential campaign both in the capital and in the districts. The flyers warning about a possible invasion of refugees in Moldova, close of kindergartens, disappearance of villages and "danger" of homosexuals, do not contain information about the author of printed flyers, the number of flyers and the money used for them, which contravenes to the electoral law. General Police Inspectorate argues that they are investigating the case. Reporters of the Center for Investigative Journalism found who planned the spread of this false information. In fact, the flyers are distributed a few steps from the Interior Ministry, in the office of the Union of Officers of Moldova. PSRM leader Igor Dodon, Maia Sandu’s opponent in presidential elections has had close ties with this organisation for many years.
In late October, on the eve of the first round of presidential elections, flyers containing symbols of the Party Action and Solidarity (PAS) and the name of the party leader Maia Sandu, but which have a denigrating message about the politician were distributed in Chisinau and in other Moldovan settlements. Among other things, the flyers show that if Maia Sandu is elected president of the state, she will open the borders for thousands of migrants, districts and entire villages will disappear, schools, kindergartens and hospitals will close, and same-sex marriages will be legalized. "Maia Sandu will cede the ravaged country to refugees, gays and unionists", read the flyers, that were shared to students of the Moldova State University.
Photo: CIJM
The flyer does not contain information about the author of this idea, period of printing, the name of the editing house or the number of printed copies, which is a violation of the Electoral Code:
ELECTORAL CODE of the Republic of Moldova
Article 641. Peculiarities of covering elections by media
(6) The contender is responsible for the content of electoral advertising that is broadcast or published. Each advertising material must include the name of contender, printing date, number of copies and the name of the publishing company. Paid advertising will be accompanied by the slogan "Elections".
Maia Sandu described the information from flyers as false and attempted denigration on behalf of her opponents. Furthermore, on October 28, representatives of PAS filed a complaint with the Inspectorate General of Police (IGP) and demanded initiation of an investigation "to identify those who organized printing, transportation and distribution of these unlawful flyers, punishing them under legal norms". Also, they require that the competent bodies take urgent measures to stop the distribution of these materials.
"We have attached two copies of flyers to the complaint. The flyers were brought by someone at the office of the party. We spoke to Mr. Cavcaliuc (Gheorghe Cavcaliuc, deputy-head of IGP - n.r.), he ordered one of his subordinates in Centru district to take our complaint. The complaint was registered and Mr. Cavcaliuc explained steps to investigate into this case. Since then, we have not been contacted about this complaint", said Dan Perciun, member of the national permanent Office of PAS.
„Police must do their job”
The complaint was filed a week ago and representatives of IGP said that they have not found the perpetrators yet. "The person who filed this complaint informed us that he saw people from Gara de Sud sharing these flyers. We went on site, we have not found anything, and we do not have results yet. The case is being investigated. We are in full campaign and other flyers might be shared in the days to come. We will take a legal decision after actions related to elections are completed", said Diana Savciuc, head of the Division of public security of the Police Inspectorate Centru for the Center for Investigative Journalism.
Representatives of the Party Action and Solidarity informed the Central Election Commission about this case, on the same day, October 28. CEC secretary Veaceslav Agrigoroaie said that he did not receive such a letter. "These problems are part of the election campaign. Correct or incorrect- the police must detain the perpetrators. CEC would not take action because other flyers can be printed in the days to come, by the other party, or the instigator can print himself flyers. The police must do their job", added his colleague Iurie Ciocan from CEC.
Office of the Union of Officers of Moldova (UORM)
Photo: CIJM
Distribution of flyers, not far from the Interior Ministry
Reporters of the Center for Investigative Journalism found who planned this scheme and how the materials in question arrive at people's homes. It happens right in the center of Chisinau, not far from the office of the Interior Ministry, on str. Stefan cel Mare 142, where the office of the Union of Officers of Moldova (UORM) is located on the second floor.
On Friday, November 3, a new set of about 200,000 flyers was brought to the office of the NGO. According to our sources, herefrom the members of the Union - mostly retirees but not only - spread them in each district of the capital. Another part of materials printed both in Romanian and in Russian, are distributed to districts where the Union of Officers have representations.
We failed to find out where leaflets were printed, but an expert in the field argues that it's a simple printer. "Looking at the quality of printing, we deduce that they were printed. Specifically, different printers, because the colors are different both in Russian and Romanian variants, namely, the ink differs", argues Veaceslav Dreglea, commercial director of a printing company in the capital.
Packages with denigrating flyers, brought to the office of the Union of Officers. The flag of UORM and the portraits of many officers, displayed on office walls, are revealed in images:
An audio recording that came into our possession, but we do not publish it for security reasons, confirmed that several members of the Union of Officers are discussing on the distribution of newly printed flyers and the importance of voting on November 13. "Sitting at home, you will not gain anything. Go and vote!", says one of them. "I told my people in the district: «If you do not vote with Dodon, I will never come to you»", commented another. "We will take as many as we need. If they are not enough, we will give more”, said another.
From the discussion, we find that someone calls on speakers not to conduct any campaigning, because this is not the profile of the organization.
Foto: CIJM
- I can give you back, here it is.
- Why?
- Do not do politics! We are not a political organization!
- This is not politics.
- Why is it about Maia Sandu?
- It is against Maia Sandu! (...) it is exactly what she is promoting.
-It is not our business!
We went to the Union of Officers to ask some flyers under the guise of distributing them to students. The man in the office helped us without hesitation. "Take as many as you need. There appeared an outstanding personality in our country: she does not work and now she wants to become president. Take both, it is a set", he said making allusion to Maia Sandu.
UORM is a voluntary organization founded in July 1999, and comprises soldiers and officers both in service and in reserve or retired, for various defense structures: the National Army, Interior Ministry, SIS, frontier guards, carabineers, sailors, etc. The association has branches in all districts of the country and in every sector of the capital. According to the organization's website, at present, the Union has about 4,500 officers, including six MPs in Parliament and 1013 councilors in local public authorities. The membership fee is 50 lei per month.
Chairman of UORM is Brigadier General Victor Gaiciuc, who replaced Vadim Misin, former MP and former leader of party Renasterea. Gaiciuc was Minister of Defence between 2001 and 2004, in the componence of the Government Tarlev, and was dismissed by presidential decree following a scandal over illegal theft of a set of weapons from the deposits of the National Army. Soon, the serviceman was appointed Moldovan Ambassador to Belgium and Moldova's representative to NATO. Currently, he is director of Acord Grup insurance company. The Joint Stock Company was founded in 2002 and has a social capital of 37 million lei. In April 2015, Gaiciuc became chairman of the Board of the National Bureau of Motor Insurers in Moldova (BNAA).
Colonel Alexandru Maliuga is secretary of UORM. According to our sources, he might be responsible for distribution of flyers and he calls people in districts and checks development of process.
Socialist Dodon, old friend of officers and veterans
Igor Dodon has been supporting this Union for many years, including financially. Moreover, the socialist is the godfather of the youngest son of Victor Gaiciuc, Sergiu Gaiciuc. He organized the wedding in September 2011, and the press wrote then that the family Dodon were godparents for the fourth time. According to Ziarul de Garda, the bride Ina Ceban, is the daughter of a street saleswoman from "gold business", detained several times by undercover police from Special Missions. PSRM leader recognized his relationship with Victor Gaiciuc.
Otherwise, Igor Dodon does not hide his close relationship with members of UORM, being present at numerous events organized by them. On February 23, 2016 in a meeting dedicated to the Day of Veterans of Armed Forces and of law enforcement, the politician shared flowers to people who served the motherland and he delivered a speech from the rostrum. Victor Gaiciuc, in turn, thanked Dodon for contribution to organize this festive event.
Igor Dodon next to Victor Gaiciuc (1), giving a speech and offering flowers during the Veterans Day Photo: ofiterii.md
In another meeting held in mid-September, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Moldova, the members of the Union have signed a statement urging citizens to vote in elections for a president who condemns unionism and promotes the country's sovereignty. "We need a president who will defend Moldovan statehood and Orthodox religion, will restore friendly relations with our strategic partner - the Russian Federation," writes the statement. “Thanks to Igor Dodon’s efforts and of the party in general, we contributed with financial support and developed events related to military and patriotic education", commented Victor Gaiciuc. Leader of PSRM was present:
Video source: youtube.com/Union of Officers in the Republic of Moldova
A message of supporting the Socialist candidate in the presidential election this year is posted on the website of UORM by the People’s Movement “Let Us Save Moldova". "He is a patriot and the only politician who advocates sovereignty, neutrality and integrity of Moldova. We call on the country's voters, political parties and social movements, to give up their ambitions and vote with heart. Not for Igor Dodon but for Moldova, its future and integrity", writes the post published on October 24, one week before the first round of elections.
Any involvement - denied
President of the Union of Officers denies of having spread flyers with the help of this organization. "I have no idea what you mean. We are a public organization. If someone committed himself to this and is one’s opinion, I cannot prohibit, but we do not have flyers and printing", said Victor Gaiciuc.
PSRM leader has also hinted that he does not have any connection with printing flyers in question. " The flyers distributed by PSRM contain printing data and they are part of the electoral campaign," said Igor Dodon. Asked about the relations with the Union of Officers, candidate for presidential elections did not comment.
On the other hand, Maia Sandu argues that the lack of response from the IGP shows "once again that institutions are in deep coma". "If the evidence is conclusive, we will notify CEC and law enforcement. Although we do not delude ourselves - we know that these institutions are not captive and act independently. An investigative reporter managed to do what all Moldovan police failed to do within ten days. About Dodon’s involvement in this scheme - we assumed that he is involved in this case with the publications, but we did not have proof. But the style is recognizable as my opponent chose lie and dirty game, as strategy of campaign", said leader of PAS.
Denigration, widely used tool in election campaigns by socialists
Newspaper „Socialistii”
Manipulating messages on the "invasion of immigrants", close of schools, union with Romania or legalization of same-sex marriages are promoted intensively by media institutions affiliated to Igor Dodon. For example, full pages of newspaper “Socialistii”, published in Russian are covered with electoral false information. A headline in a recent edition of the newspaper says that "Voronin hinted that Maia Sandu has a non-traditional sexual orientation", in other, refugee problem being addressed - "The scandal is getting worse." Also, the media affiliated to PSRM made public a video in which some Syrian students from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Nicolae Testemitanu" declare their support for Maia Sandu and say that they would like that many Syrians come to Moldova.
According to financial reports submitted to the CEC, the candidate Igor Dodon has spent within four weeks of the campaign (September 30 to October 28) 779 197 lei for publishing materials in newspaper "Socialistii", which exceed 50% of the total amount spent by the candidate for advertising in print media (almost 1.3 million lei). The flyers printed over this period of time cost 260,000 lei.
Ziarul de Garda wrote in a recent article that Dodon used false election information in several campaigns in which he participated in order to win elections.
During the struggle for mayor of the capital in 2011, Igor Dodon accused his opponent Dorin Chirtoaca that he bought 102 buses from Belarus through a company in Romania and prejudiced the municipal budget with over 2 million euros. Dodon presented as proof in the support of his statements some excerpts from the Official Gazette (OG) of Romania. Later, he acknowledged that these pages were forged, but blamed his party colleagues. Chirtoaca has sued Igor Dodon for "defending honor, dignity and professional reputation". The case does not have finality yet, according to journalists.
They remind that local elections from that year were preceded by the denigration of some candidates, especially of Dorin Chirtoaca, by printing and disseminating falsified copies of some national newspapers such as Ziarul de Garda and Timpul.
Alleged irregularities about purchase of trolleybuses were invoked in local elections in 2015, when Socialists’ candidate Zinaida Greceanii was proposed for the seat of mayor of the capital. The Socialists claimed that Dorin Chirtoaca, acting mayor and candidate for a new mandate, purchased trolleybuses from Belarus at exaggerated price, while Skoda trolleybuses from the Czech Republic would have had a better price. The information proved to be untrue again.
This investigation was accomplished under the project „Shining a light on electoral transparency in Moldova”, carried out by the Center for Investigative Journalism with the support of Freedom House.
Investigations in the same category:
Eight criminal cases started in 2021 are based on journalistic investigations, conducted by the CIJM team
In 2021, the prosecutors started at least 8 criminal cases, which are based on journalistic investigations, carried out by the team of the Center for Investigative Journalism and were published on the anticoruptie.md portal. The criminal cases concern the General Prosecutor, one of his deputy-prosecutors, several other chief prosecutors, targeted in some investigations conducted in recent years and a former deputy minister. One of the criminal cases concerns the former president Igor Dodon and the former Parliament Speaker Zinaida Grecianii, who were targeted in a CIJM journalistic investigation from 2008. After the investigations were published, the authors and the
Top 20 impactful investigations, conducted by the CIJM team in 2021
In 2021, the team of the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJM) conducted 65 journalistic investigations into corruption, embezzlement of public money, illicit property and integrity issues in the public sector. In the last months of the year, at least 7 criminal cases were started against some chief prosecutors, all based on journalistic investigations carried out by the team of the Center for Investigative Journalism. The National Integrity Authority, based on the CIJM journalistic investigations, started controls into the property of 26 civil servants, out of which 13 prosecutors, 11 judges, a counselor and an official from the UTA Gagauzia.
PARTY SWITCHERS: Who buys deputies in Moldova
They migrate easily from one parliamentary faction to another, they establish and dissolve alliances, against nature, when the private and group interest prevails over the public interest. Promises from election campaigns do not matter anymore. The party switchers increase their properties, drive expensive cars, go on exotic vacations and send their children to study abroad. As usual, the phenomenon of party switching in the Chisinau Parliament is not shocking anymore. The Prosecutor’s Office should tell us who buys Moldovan deputies and what are the stakes behind the schemes with deputies. Yet, only one case, rather nebulous, was subjected to
Who are the winning candidates in uninominal constituencies Nb.35-51
Following the processing of 100% of the reports, 51 candidates in the uninominal constituencies will accede to the future legislative after the elections are validated. Reporters of the Anticorupţie.md portal carried out these candidates’ profile, their welfare and the scandals targeting them.
About the winners in the constituencies Nb. 1-17, read here, and about the winners in the constituencies Nb.18-34, read here.
Grigore Repesciuc. Photo: moldovacurata.md
Constituency Nb.35 – Căușeni: Grigore Repeșciuc, PDM. He is mayor of Causeni town starting with 2011. Initially, he ran as an independent candidate but in June 2014, he joined the Democratic Party in Moldova. In his second
Who are the winning candidates in uninominal constituencies Nb.18-34
Following the processing of almost 100% of the reports, 51 candidates in the uninominal constituencies will accede to the future Legislative after the elections are validated. Reporters of the Anticorupţie.md portal compiled these candidates’ profile, their welfare and scandals targeting them.
About the winners in the constituencies Nb. 1-17, read here, and about the winners in the constituencies Nb.35-51, read here.
Ilan Shor. Photo: Facebook.com
Constituency Nb.18 - Orhei: Ilan Shor, Shor Party. Shor came to attention due to the problems with the law, the threats to the journalists and the opposition, as well as the praise of the achievements of Orhei Town
Who are the winning candidates in uninominal constituencies Nb. 1-17
Following the processing of almost 100% of the reports, 51 candidates in the uninominal constituencies will accede to the future legislative after the elections are validated. Reporters of the Anticorupţie.md portal compiled a profile about the candidates in uninominal constituencies and their property.
About the winners in the constituencies Nb. 18-34, read HERE, and about the winners in the constituencies Nb.35-51, read HERE.
Zinaida Greceanii. Photo: socialistii.md
Constituency Nb. 1 - Briceni: Zinaida Greceanîi, PSRM. MP in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and leader of the PSRM, Greceanii’s activity was marked by a fulminating rise on the public hierarchy scale: from
Generous sponsors of judges
Dozens of judges from the Republic of Moldova received last year expensive gifts from parents, parents-in-law and relatives. Either it's about flats, houses or money, in some cases the value of the gifts amounts to thousands of lei. While magistrates say that donations are due exclusively to the generosity of relatives, anti-corruption experts warn us that in this way, some would try to legalize unreported goods.
20 thousand euros and the right to live in a luxury home
Vitalie-Silviu Midrigan's car, parked in front of the house where he lives. Photo: CIJM
Vitalie-Silviu Midrigan, magistrate at the Botanica District Court Chisinau, is
The „Poor” Members of Balti Municipal Council with Businesses Abroad
Following the local elections in 2015, the municipal council of Balti was formed of councilors from seven parties. The largest part belonged to Our Party led by Renato Usatii: 26 members out of a total of 35 members. There were also three communists, two socialists and four councilors from different pro-European parties.
At present, the mayor of Balti lives and carries out his business abroad. It is less well known that some members of the Municipal Council, both at power as well as in opposition, follow his example. They lead a double life, being poor members of the Balti municipal
Luxury managers of state
Directors of state-owned enterprises raise monthly salaries of tens of thousands of dollars despite the fact that most of them register losses year by year. Most of directors of these companies get large sums of money and their salaries are sometimes higher than the annual profits of the companies which they manage. In some cases, even if the enterprises which they manage are on the brink of bankruptcy, managers double their salaries with benefits for good management or performance. Though some enterprises get considerable incomes, profits from the business are very low and the money is spent on all
Vested repairs in the buildings of the district courts in Moldova
Hundreds of millions of lei were invested in the last five years in the repair of courts buildings in the country. In some cases, the companies involved in repair built apartments for families of judges, and in others, the works were performed by economic units who have ties with judges or other officials. Data analysis on the website of the Public Procurement Agency shows that companies that were the target of negative reports of the Court of Auditors, repaired and rebuilt the offices of the courts.
Millions for the repair of the offices of Buiucani District Court
As for
President’s advisers: property, interests and tarnished past
A few days after Igor Dodon was sworn-in as president on December 26, he presented his team of advisors elected for a four-year term. Most of them were part of communist government and some of them backed the Socialist Party in Moldova (PSRM) led by Igor Dodon, either by active involvement in the activities of the party or generous donations during election campaigns in recent years.
Ion Ceban, one of the most generous donors in the presidential elections
Photo: CIJM
Ion Ceban, 36, is the new spokesman of the president of the state and adviser on political affairs. As of July
Properties, businesses and interests of rectors of state universities
There are 31 high educational institutions in Moldova, of which 19 are state universities. Some rectors have managed the universities for 15-20 years. Only in 2014, when the new Education Code was implemented, it stipulated that rectors cannot serve more than two consecutive terms, of five years each. In addition to management and teaching activity, many of them got involved in politics – either by joining a party or offering the university as platform for politicians. Also, some of them have profitable businesses and luxury houses. Managers' salaries are not small. Center for Investigative Journalism analyzed incomes and properties
Luxury extradition of Veaceslav Platon: 2 charter flights and unknown overseers
Charter Gulfstream G200 Galaxy, Number T7-PRM lands on International Airport Chisinau on August 29 2016, at 22:00. Controversial businessman Veaceslav Platon, being handcuffed and extradited urgently from Ukraine, steps off the plane. This scene is followed by the passengers of another charter flight, that landed within 12 minutes on Chisinau International Airport. The takeoff distance from Juliani Airport in Kiev of both planes was 7 minutes.
Veaceslav Platon is criminally investigated for fraud and money laundering in huge proportions in "Russian laundromat". On July 25th, an arrest warrant for 30 days was issued on the name of Veaceslav Platon and he is wanted internationally. The
Anabolics mafia. The clandestine road of steroids from Moldova to foreign sportspeople
The Republic of Moldova is among the top global manufacturers of anabolic steroids, illegal substances in the majority of EU states, the USA, as well as Russia. Corruption, lax legislation and the political protectionism easily obtained have created conditions for the development of a huge industry of anabolics in our country, which are in great demand on the black market around the world. Nowadays, at least seven factories producing anabolics are operating in Moldova, four of which are clandestine laboratories. Legal manufacturers of anabolics allegedly get protection from a former Romanian senator, a prominent Moldovan businessman and a former
Shadow man
All MPs from 2009 know him by sight. He acted discreetly at almost all parliamentary meetings over the past 7 years with the participation of deputy-chairman of the Democratic Party Vlad Plahotniuc. However, the name of Serghei Iaralov was first mentioned in the context of the fraud from the banking system on October 15 2015, several minutes before the National Anti-corruption Center’s officers arrested Vlad Filat, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party. He revealed for the first time from the Parliament’s rostrum that Iaralov participated „in all discussions and deals” related to Banca de Economii (BEM). The businessman was
Spokesman of Chisinau City Hall, with a luxury house and beneficiary of financial aid from budget
Vadim Branzaniuc, aged 33, managed to get a fortune of some millions of lei in just two years while he served as Head of the Division of Public Relations of the City Hall. Meanwhile, the civil servant was elected interim secretary of the Chisinau Municipal Council. He owns a two-story house in Petricani, Riscani sector, which he built in 2012-2014, show cadastral documents. The house has an accessory building and a garage for two cars. Letter “B” (first letter of his surname) is printed on the front wall of the house. Except this luxury house, in 2013 Branzaniuc received
Drone filming // Democrat Constantin Botnari fenced illegally 40 acres of forest?
Democrat MP Constantin Botnari who accompanies the controversial businessman Vlad Plahotniuc in public, tendered his resignation last week. Officially, he has modest incomes, but in the period when he was MP, he built a luxury house in the forest near Durlesti, suburb of the capital. His house reminds of the White House in Washington. A drone filming makes us believe that the land of about 21 acres was too small for the house, so the democrat MP fenced 40 acres of forest. Both representatives of Moldsilva Agency and local authorities claim that forest is not leased since 2012.
Constantin Botnari
Hidden properties, businesses and interests of heads of state agencies (III)
Governments in Chisinau fell one by one which led to frequent changes in the leadership of state agencies. The Center for Investigative Journalism has previously revealed the property of heads of Ministries. Further, you will see that current directors of agencies contend for properties. One third of them came to public attention as their properties exceeded their real incomes. The majority of directors of agencies have profitable businesses which are hidden. Some state directors are listed as managers of their companies, which is prohibited by law.
The first and second part of the investigation revealed the businesses and properties of
Hidden properties, businesses and interests of heads of state agencies (II)
Governments in Chisinau fell one by one which led to frequent changes in the leadership of state agencies. The Center for Investigative Journalism has previously revealed the property of heads of Ministries. Further, you will see that current directors of agencies contend for properties. We found that one third of them came to public attention as their properties exceeded their real incomes. Half of directors of agencies have profitable businesses and many of them are hidden. Some state directors are listed as managers of their companies, which is prohibited by law.
The first part of the investigation reveals the properties,
Hidden properties, businesses and interests of heads of state agencies (I)
Governments in Chisinau fell one by one which led to frequent changes in the leadership of state agencies. The Center for Investigative Journalism has previously revealed the property of heads of Ministries. Further, you will see that current directors of agencies contend for properties. We found that one third of them came to public attention as their properties exceeded their real incomes. Half of directors of agencies have profitable businesses and many of them are hidden. Some state directors are listed as managers of their companies, which is prohibited by law.
Anatolie Ghilas, director of Cadastre, the controversial multimillionaire
Filip Government: interests, properties and businesses
The Government headed by Pavel Filip has in its componence new names, but they are known in political field. The majority of new-old ministers were part of the investigations carried out previously by the Center for Investigative Journalism that revealed the hidden interests and businesses of their families.
Pavel Filip, Prime-Minister
Pavel Filip was elected Minister of Information Technology and Communication in 2011. He was director of the Enterprise "Bucuria" between 2001-2008. Before that, he worked for different offices in the same enterprise. Then, in 2008, he managed the enterprise "Tutun-CTC", until he was appointed head of the Ministry.
According to the
MPs business: Liberal-democrats and non-affiliated MPs who vote for Pavel Filip in the Parliament
The parliamentary majority, ready to support the democrat Pavel Filip for the office of PM could not be established without the 7 liberal-democrats and 3 non-affiliated MPs. In the context of street protests, some of them withdrew their signatures when PD insisted on the candidacy of Vlad Plahotniuc. They changed their mind when Pavel Filip was proposed for premiership. Media wrote that the 7 liberal-democrats were called by Vlad Filat, arrested for corruption acts, to vote with the democratic candidate. Contacted by Anticoruptie.md, some of them denied it. Last week, we presented the profiles of the runners from PCRM.
The MP business: who are the converts ready to vote for the PD candidate for premiership
14 MPs quitted PCRM late last year, announcing that they no longer want to make the games of this faction. The runners (defectors) gathered in the social-democratic Platform "For Moldova" and they had the first official meeting with Plahotniuc. He returned to politics to become the candidate of PD for the post of prime minister. All 14 MPs helped to the creation of the parliamentary majority, they are ready to vote with the controversial businessman for the office of premiership. It is curious the fact that legislators, along with their colleagues that remained in PCRM and the Liberal Democrats,
Moldovagaz: Luxury houses and agreements signed between family members
Agreements of collaboration have been signed in the last three years between enterprises founded by Moldovagaz and companies affiliated to the family of the head of the Administration Council of the enterprise, Alexandru Gusev. Based on these agreements, private and “independent” economic units perform the metering certification of natural gas distributed to consumers and they control the quality of natural gas on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Also, currently all gas distribution companies managed by Moldovagaz have certificates of conformity to natural gas quality issued by a company managed by family members of Gusev.
The Law № 235
Property of Heads from the National Energy Regulatory Agency: Unreported houses, luxury cars, plots of land and businesses
Officially, the increase in electricity tariffs will affect the four directors of the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) that approved the new tariffs. This is because at least two of them live in luxury apartments with a surface of over 100 sqm and their maintenance will increase considerably. On the other hand, the salaries of the four directors estimated at over 50 thousand lei per month and the businesses they manage will probably help them to cope easier with these increases.
The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE), an institution implementing the state policy on the regulation of energy sectors, decided
Six years at the Customs Service: businesses and properties of Balitchi family
Tudor Balitchi, head of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova lives in an apartment of 200 square meters, registered on his sister’s name. In recent years, his sister, established in the US and his mother, a doctor by profession, now retired, have become owners of more plots for construction worth millions of lei and placed at the outskirts of Chisinau. Also, Balitchi’ s mother together with the director of the Factory Rogob founded in 2015 a company that has declared activities in construction. Tudor Balitchi and his wife are also the founders of companies, although the Law
Businesses, assets and interests of deputy ministers from Strelet Government (II)
Amongst deputy ministers promoted in the Strelet Government there are rich and poor, with thriving and less active businesses, with clean or less clean records. Even if the new public office is incompatible with any other paid post some new deputies continue to administer businesses, some of them in the very field where they have been promoted. Reporters of the Center for Investigative Journalism have X-rayed the declarations of assets and interests of the second level officials of ministries, have checked them through various open databases and we propose below for your attention what assets and interests these Strelet
Businesses, assets and interests of deputy ministers from Strelet Government (I)
Amongst deputy ministers promoted in the Strelet Government there are rich and poor, with thriving and less active businesses, with clean or less clean records. Even if the new public office is incompatible with any other paid post some new deputies continue to administer businesses, some of them in the very field where they have been promoted. Reporters of the Center for Investigative Journalism have X-rayed the declarations of assets and interests of the second level officials of ministries, have checked them through various open databases and we propose below for your attention what assets and interests these Strelet
Streleț Government: interests, business and assets
The government led by Valeriu Strelet voted for by liberal democrats, democrats and liberals, is made up of several new names, but which are not unaffiliated to politics. Most new-old ministers were featured in previous investigations of the Center for Investigative Journalism which revealed hidden interests and businesses run by their families.
Valeriu Streleț – Prime Minister
Valeriu Streleț has been an MP since 2009. Although he has been involved in politics for years, the premier also has run lucrative businesses and a part of his wealth acquired while he was in Parliament.
The politician is the sole owner of Bioprotect Ltd.
Previous article on the same topic
Next to the same topic
The stories from www.anticoruptie.md may be used in the limit of up to 1,000 characters. Web pages must indicate the source and link directly to the article. Print media, Radio and TV stations must indicate the source. Publishing full version of stories is allowed based on a prior agreement with the Center for Investigative Journalism. Articles published on www.anticoruptie.md are protected by the Law on copyright and related rights of Republic of Moldova.