Edinet lawyer accused of influence peddling

A lawyer in Edinet town was arrested by officers of the North Division of the Center for Combating Corruption and Economic Crime (CCCEC) on suspicion of influence peddling, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the Center’s press service, the lawyer asked and received $900 from a person for helping acquit a convict in court, saying he can influence the prosecutors and judges of the Balti Court of Appeals. The lawyer was caught in the act of taking the second part of the bribe - $600 – in a private legal office in Edinet. The first tranche of $300 was transmitted earlier and this fact was established by officers of the CCCEC, the communiqué says. During investigations, it was determined that after taking all the money, the lawyer said that he needs 3,500 euros more because his services are more expensive. The investigations continue. If found guiltily of influence peddling, the lawyer would be fined 20,000 to 60,000 lei or imprisoned for up to 7 years.