Gagauzia's governor sentenced to seven years in prison

Evghenia Guțul, governor of the Gagauz autonomy was sentenced today to seven years in prison by Chișinău Court judges, in the case on illegal financing of former Shor party.

The sentence was pronounced a few minutes ago and also involves Svetlana Popan, former secretary at the Central Office of the same party, who received a six-year sentence.


'The act meets the elements of the crime', judge Ana Cucerescu said.


The governor came to the trial accompanied by family members, including minor children, as well as several supporters, members of Victory Political Bloc.

The sentence is not final and can be appealed at the Court of Appeal. Both defendants are set to serve their sentences in a semi-closed type penitentiary.

The prosecutors previously requested a sentence of nine years in prison for Evghenia Guțul and the confiscation of over 40.9 million lei - the amount identified as part of the illegal financing. For Svetlana Popan, they requested eight years of detention and the confiscation of 9.7 million lei.

In addition to the custodial sentences, the prosecution also asked for the prohibition of the right to manage financial-accounting activities or to be a member of a political party for five years for both women.

Evghenia Guțul and Svetlana Popan were accused of knowingly accepting the illegal financing of a political party and an electoral candidate by an organized criminal group, an offense committed continuously and as accomplices.

The criminal case was submitted to the court in April 2024.