VIDEO // Crime ring operating in EU disbanded by Moldovan authorities; assets worth tens of millions lei seized

Assets worth over 23.5 million lei have been seized in a case targeting an organized criminal group from Chisinau and Cahul, made up of 15 members accused of smuggling and money laundering. The group allegedly committed burglaries in homes and jewelry shops from more European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating the Organized Crime and Special Causes (PCCOCS), since 2017, the criminal group is said to have stolen jewelry (rings with gemstones, earrings, bracelets, chains, pendants), coins, gemstones, luxury watches, weapons, bicycles, and other valuable things. These items were afterwards illegally brought to Moldova, sold on the black market and the proceeds used to purchase luxury real estate and cars, including homes worth over 2.5 million lei, apartments and land.

The 15 defendants are aged between 24 and 64 years, including three women – some of whom are close relatives of other group members, under whose names goods purchased with funds from criminal activities were registered.

According to data provided by European Union authorities via Europol and Interpol, some of the individuals involved have previously served prison sentences in France, Germany and Austria for such crimes as robbery, group theft or holding of forged documents.

Following the seizure of the assets by the investigating judge, the identified assets may be subjected to confiscation for the benefit of the state, once the case is brought to trial.

The criminal investigation is ongoing, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, according to the applicable law.