Officials from the former Social Assistance Directorate of Balti Municipality, investigated by NAC for the dispossession of socially vulnerable persons. One person was detained

A corruption scheme, manifested by the abusive dispossession of patrimonial assets of some socially-vulnerable persons, under the records of the former General Directorate of Social Assistance and Family Protection of the Bălți City Hall (North-North-West Territorial Social Assistance Agency (ATAS)), was uncovered by the NAC and prosecutors. At least two elderly people were left without homes, after allegedly signing documents donating apartments in favour of some officials of the said department.

According to the facts investigated in an episode, during the year 2022, decision-makers from the former General Directorate of Social Assistance and Family Protection of the Bălți City Hall, using their work situation, acting in material interest and taking advantage of the difficult situation of a person in services due to the loss of physical, mental or intellectual capacities, have notarized a power of attorney authorizing a social worker to manage all her assets. Through that power of attorney, the social worker was designated as the exclusive heir of all the person's assets, the actions being aimed at the illegal dispossession of the immovable property held in the property.

In another documented episode, the same officials, taking advantage of the precarious situation of another beneficiary of social care services at home, completed and authenticated powers of attorney and lifetime maintenance contracts through which the owner entrusted them with the right to use the property or.

Also, the NAC and the prosecutors are examining the episode of the transmission of 5000 euros by an employee of the former Profile Directorate of Balti Municipality to decision-makers of the subdivision. According to the materials examined, the money was claimed by the employee's superiors in exchange for the non-disclosure of allegedly illegal acts committed by him, but also in order not to create impediments in his work.

Following the searches carried out today at several addresses, the NAC officers detained for 72 hours a head of section from the former  General Directorate of Social Assistance and Family Protection of Balti Municipality. Several pieces of evidence relevant to the case were recovered from the scene, including a contract for the disposal of assets subject to the condition of the owner's lifetime maintenance, a contract of sale and purchase, a power of attorney, information carriers and 3 files of assistance beneficiaries social. Case investigations are taking place under the leadership of the Balti Municipal Prosecution Office in a criminal case based on abuse of office. We remind, every person shall be presumed innocent until a final and irrevocable court decision is issued.