Moldovan Prime Minister about truck with weapons found at border

The case concerning the truck loaded with weapons, found at the Moldovan-Romanian border, does not appear to be systemic or part of organized trafficking. Currently, law enforcement bodies in both the Republic of Moldova and Romania continue to investigate the case, and measures taken will be announced subsequently. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu made the statement during a TV show.

According to the official, the fact that the Republic of Moldova is in proximity to a war "automatically makes us vulnerable to all sorts of phenomena."


"We are not the first and, unfortunately, not the last to whom such cases happen. It's important to learn the lesson. As you know, we are investigating this case very thoroughly, we will reach a result, and we will draw the necessary conclusions to make our space safer, so that trucks with armaments do not pass through our country again. From what we've seen, it does not appear to be a systemic case or part of organized trafficking. It seems to be an isolated case, but let's see how the investigations conclude," declared Alexandru Munteanu.


The Prime Minister assured that issues regarding the safety and security of citizens are treated with maximum responsibility by the authorities.


"The subject was also discussed at the National Security Council. The safety of citizens is treated with utmost seriousness because we have responsibilities towards people. Currently, the investigation is being conducted in conjunction with the Romanian side. We want to get to the roots of the case, because this truck, which was heading towards Romania, intended to pass through other countries as well, which may also be involved. Following the investigation, we will inform citizens and possible decisions regarding certain resignations will be taken," emphasized Alexandru Munteanu.


A truck carrying weapons was intercepted on November 20 at the Leușeni–Albița crossing point. The vehicle is registered in the Republic of Moldova and was heading towards Israel. The transportation was allegedly conducted by smuggling by a carrier who routinely travels from Ukraine with a freight truck.

Currently, the administrator of a company, suspected of organizing the weapons smuggling, is under arrest for 30 days. Meanwhile, under the guidance of prosecutors, the investigation continues with three other individuals under arrest: the head of the enterprise that ordered the transportation, the head of the transport company, and the broker. Additionally, the truck driver, a citizen of the Republic of Moldova, was detained by authorities in Romania, who also seized the smuggled goods.

The Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova is conducting an internal investigation to identify any potential elements of corruption or security breaches in this case. The investigative actions are taking place in collaboration with Romanian institutions and the criminal authorities in the Republic of Moldova.