Assets estimated at approximately $190 million, originating from the transnational money laundering scheme known as the "Russian Laundromat," have been identified. The announcement was made by the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office, which reported receiving confirmation in collaboration with law enforcement authorities from another foreign jurisdiction. This jurisdiction has already frozen bank accounts totaling over $100 million. Additionally, in two other jurisdictions, asset seizures worth $40 million and $50 million are expected.
"Throughout 2024, during the investigations, the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office provided the necessary information and evidence for identifying the implicated bank accounts, tracking financial flows, and blocking them. The application of seizures and the eventual confiscation of these assets represents an important step in their recovery for the benefit of citizens, demonstrating the commitment to prevent and combat corruption and money laundering, both nationally and internationally", the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office said in a press release.
The institution also announced it would soon request the court to authorize the seizure measures on these accounts.
Prosecutors warned that illegal activities will not go unpunished and that authorities are determined to identify and sanction individuals involved in such criminal activities.
Additionally, the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office appreciated the support of foreign authorities in this complex operation.
"Over the past two years, the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office team has been actively involved in rebuilding trust with counterparts in other countries, particularly regarding international cooperation in the 'Bank Fraud' and 'Laundromat' criminal cases, including at international conferences, bilateral meetings, and working visits. These relationships have strengthened international cooperation, which, over the past two years, has resulted in the identification and freezing of assets worth over $87 million abroad in the 'Bank Fraud' case, and now over $100 million in the 'Laundromat' case", the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office reported.
On monday, following the meeting of the Supreme Security Council, the President of the Republic of Moldova criticized the activity of the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office, calling it a "total failure". Maia Sandu said that the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office has not delivered the expected results in the fight against grand and political corruption. The SSC recommended that the Government make the necessary structural changes to improve the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office's performance.
