A number of clients of a tourist firm based in Comrat complained to the police after they were swindled in what appeared to be a scheme perpetrated on other clients as well. The tourists had bought vacations in Turkey, but once arrived at the hotel, they were denied accommodation because the firm had failed to transfer the money.

The firm's manager has been arrested for 72 hours on fraud charges.

The General Police Inspectorate announced that at least 40 tourists were defrauded in this way by the firm, which was incorporated a year ago. The damages amount to one million lei, and the court is to decide whether and to what extent the defrauded clients will receive compensation.

Fraud in such amounts is punishable by 7 to 10 years in prison.