A man from Chisinau who was investigated for influence peddling was given a four-year suspended sentence for asking €20,000 for helping drop a case of hooliganism, IPN reports, with reference to the National Anticorruption Center.

According to the Center, the criminal case was started in August 2022. The man asked and received €20,000 from the relatives of persons accused of hooliganism. He said that he and another man have influence over investigation officers of the Drochia Police Inspectorate and prosecutors of the Drochia Prosecutor’s Office, who examined the case. The money was passed on in two tranches.

The trying of the case lasted for six month and the culprit admitted his blame. At his request, the criminal case was examined based on evidence administered at the investigation stage. The court also ordered to confiscate the equivalent of €20,000 from the man for the benefit of the state.

The sentence can be challenged in the Chisinau Appeals Court within 15 days.