Case of planned assassinations in Ukraine: 30-day pre-trial detention for three suspects detained in Moldova

Three people detained for their alleged involvement in preparing assassinations in Ukraine have been placed in pre-trial detention for 30 days, at a request by prosecutors of the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Causes (PCCOCS). The decision was issued by the Chisinau Court.

Among those arrested, there is the man who, according to investigators, allegedly convinced more suspects – seven of whom were detained in Ukraine – to take part in the criminal scheme. A woman and a man detained in Moldova have also been placed in pre-trial detention.

A fourth person targeted in the case continues to be investigated in criminal proceedings. This person is currently in custody, and PCCOCS prosecutors have assigned them the procedural status of accused, similar to the other three. According to PCCOCS, the criminal investigation is ongoing, including through the cooperation of the accused recruiter with the investigation.

All persons involved benefit from the presumption of innocence, in accordance with the law. The case is part of a broader investigation into the preparation of assassinations in Ukraine, a case handled in cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities.

Eleven people have been detained in Moldova and Ukraine in a case concerning a scheme to assassinate important figures in Ukraine. Three men who were convinced to commit murders, as well as their recruiter were detained by law enforcement officers of Moldova. Another seven people who allegedly accepted the recruiter’s offer were detained by the Ukrainian authorities.

The law enforcement authorities from Moldova and Ukraine have set up a joint investigation team to document the case.

“Following this interstate operation, hybrid threats have been effectively countered. The attempt to implement a hostile scenario was uncovered and the activity of a dangerous criminal group was brought to an end,” PCCOCS emphasizes.

In total, the ten recruited individuals who allegedly took part in preparing the scheme are between 19 and 43 years old and come from Chisinau, Comrat, Orhei, and Tighina (the left bank of the Dniester, controlled by a ‘government’ not recognized by the constitutional authorities). Some of them have previously been investigated or tried for hooliganism and traffic-related offenses.