Update /11:24am/ The bomb scare turned out to be a hoax. As a result of searches, the bomb squad found no explosive device. Criminal proceedings were instituted over intentional misinforming about an act of terrorism that carries at most two years in jail.

(Initial news item) A person called the 112 Service this morning and said that explosives were planted inside the Centru and Buiucani Courts of the capital city. The police fenced the area and evacuated all the persons from the two buddings, IPN reports.

The Chisinau Police Division said the call was made at about 8:30am. All the specialized services, including a bomb squad, travelled to the scene.

Measures are being taken to identify the caller. This faces a fine of 27,500 to 42,500 lei, 180 to 240 hours of community service or a maximum jail term of two years.

The Courts of Chisinau have been regularly the target of bomb threats that turned out to be hoaxes so far.