Helicopters produced clandestinely in Criuleni, which were identical in appearance to the model “Ka 26”, were to be taken to CIS countries. The police and prosecutors are carrying out searches at the production base and at the homes of involved persons, IPN reports.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the work of the group has been followed for several months. The production base is situated in a village of Criuleni district, on the bank of the Nistru. Most of the involved persons are inhabitants of the Transnistrian region.

At least ten helicopters were at different stages of production. The manufacturing process was conducted in the absence of the necessary permissive documents and documents of origin for the used parts and equipment.

Legal action was taken over preparation of smuggling of aircraft by two and more persons. Under Moldova’s legislation, the offence carries a penalty of three to ten years in jail.