The misuse, fraudulent obtaining or appropriation of money from external funds provided to Moldova carry penalties of imprisonment. In its April 21 sitting, Parliament adopted a bill that contains relevant provisions, IPN reports.

Presenting the legislative initiative in Parliament, Cristina Tarna, vice director of the National Anticorruption Center, said Moldova benefits from €4.47 billion provided by the external partners as grants and half of the sums were already disbursed. “This money comes from the contributions of the citizens of the states that provide assistance and the wish for it to be protected is normal,” she stated.

The proposed amendments and supplements stipulate 2 to 15 years in jail, ban on holding particular posts or performing particular activities for a period of 2 to 8 years and a fine of 3,000 to 9,000 conventional units (a c.u. is now equal to 20 lei).

The amendments were formulated in accordance with the plan of action for implementing the Moldova – EU Association Agreement for 2014-2016.