President Maia Sandu said it is inadmissible for people to disappear in the Republic of Moldova, either they are Moldovans or not, either they committed legalities or not. The comment comes after Ukrainian judge Nicolai Ceaus was kidnapped in central Chisinau, IPN reports.

Maia Sandu requested the administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is responsible for ensuring the citizens’ safety, and of the Security and Intelligence Service to take measures and clarify this worrisome disappearance of a foreign citizen on Moldova’s territory.

The kidnapping of Nicolai Ceaus was announced through Facebook by his lawyer Iulian Balan. The lawyer said that his client was kidnapped downtown by a group of armed persons on April 3, 2021 and was taken to an unknown direction. Ceaus Nicolae asked for political asylum in the Republic of Moldova and his application is pending in court. The lawyer noted that in such conditions, there are reasonable doubts as to the state’s capacity to ensure protection. He asked anyone with any information about this case to communicate it to the police.

Ukrainian judge Nicolai Ceaus moved to the Republic of Moldova in 2016, after he was accused by the Ukrainian authorities of taking US$150,000 bribe.