The administrator and director of a private clinic, who are father and son, together with another two employees were arrested for illegally collecting stem cells, IPN reports, quoting the General Police Inspectorate.

The private clinic started work in February 2012. According to the documents, it was founded to provide medical case and laboratory services, but in fact it illegally collected stem cells from the umbilical cord that connects the fetus to the mother. For such services, the clients paid €900 to €1,400. Upon searches, there were found contracts signed by the clinic with 220 clients.

The scheme involved other persons too. The police are investigating 10 persons, including two foreigners.

The arrested persons face 7 to 15 years in jail and ban on holding particular posts for a period of 2 to 5 years. In the case of the legal entity, a fine of 100,000 to 140,000 lei can be imposed, with its liquidation.

The stem cells have the ability to renew and restore tissues. The Moldovan legislation allows human cells to be transplanted exclusively in public medical-sanitary institutions authorized by the Ministry of Health.