Lib-Dem leader probed for cigarettes smuggling
The president of the Liberal Democratic Party from Moldova (PLDM), parliamentarian Vlad Filat is probed for cigarettes smuggling. Filat was subpoenaed by the Anti-Corruption prosecutors Wednesday and was told the accusation. The MP rejects the accusations and says the dossier is linked to the manifestations the PLDM has organized and will organize, Info-Prim Neo reports.
Prosecuor Alexandru Casir has told journalists Vlad Filat is suspected of being an accomplice with a group of Romanian citizens and smuggled almost 2 million packs of cigarettes to Romania. According to the prosecutor, the materials have been received from the Romanian authorities, who are investigating the case.
On the other hand, Vlad Filat says this probe dating from 1998 was ended in 1999. According to the MP, the Romanian courts issued definite writs establishing the transaction was not illegal. Only some breeches were found and fined, Vlad Filat has told the journalists.
The PLDM leader believes the dossier is connected with the farmers' meeting the PLDM staged on October 26 and with the media supporting manifestations projected for November 9. Vlad Filat remarks the probe has been started shortly after Christian-Democratic leader Iurie Rosca had threatened him in the Parliament that he would be searched by Procuratura.
Vlad Filat's lawyer Alexandru Tanase says the investigation has been started on the basis of an article published in the newspaper Flux (of the Christian-Democrats – e.n.) “It's a stupid accusation, without any connection with the reality and I am certain this dossier will never reach the court,” Tanase says. He says such infractions may not be searched after ten years.
The PLDM leader has been subpoenaed by the Prosecutor's office on November 11 in connection with other two law suits. Filat is suspected of irregularities in privatizing the Cement Plant from Rezina town and in selling planes.
Vlad Filat has parliamentary immunity which does not defend him from being probed. The immunity can be lifted by the Parliament if the case reaches the court.