A lawyer from Edineț, investigated by the NAC and AP for influence peddling, was sentenced to a fine of 110 000 lei with the confiscation of the bribe of 5,000 euros

The Edineț Court, Central Headquarters, found a lawyer guilty of committing influence peddling. The court ordered a fine of 110,000 lei, with the deprivation of the right to act as a lawyer for a period of 2 years. At the same time, the confiscation of the defendant's account for the benefit of the state, of the equivalent of 5,000 euros, as money resulting from the crime, was ordered. The seizure of his assets was maintained.

The criminal case was initiated in June 2022, and according to the evidence accumulated by the National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC) and the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office (AP), the lawyer allegedly demanded 30,000 euros from the whistleblower, later agreeing to the amount of 20,000 euros necessary to influence the judges to issue an acquittal decision. Subsequently, he received, through an intermediary, part of the claimed amount, namely 5,000 euros, under the control of the General Territorial Directorate North of the NAC.

Although he denied committing the act, the court, analysing the evidence, established his guilt.

The sentence can be appealed to the Chisinau North Court of Appeal within 15 days.

Note: A person accused of committing a crime shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court decision.