The anti-corruption department of the Moldovan Prosecutor’s Office alongside the local Security Service searched the house of Igor Dodon, the country’s president between 2016 and 2020, RIA Novosti cites Marianna Kerpeek, the agency’s spokesperson.
Dodon was detained for 72 hours, Interfax cites the Prosecutor’s Office. “We are currently carrying out investigative actions, Dodon’s house was searched and he was detained for 72 hours,” Kerpeek said.
However, TASS says Dodon’s detention is yet to be confirmed.
Dodon is facing criminal proceedings, he is suspected of passive bribery. The reason behind the investigation is a video shot in 2019 where Vladimir Plakhotniuk, leader of the local Democratic Party and a billionaire, hands a black plastic bag supposedly filled with cash over to Dodon. However, TASS says Dodon rejected the bribe.
The anti-corruption department of the Prosecutor’s Office refused to initiate a criminal procedure against Dodon in June 2020, having recognised no elements of crime. The court later confirmed the ruling, however, the Chișinău Appeals Chamber reversed the decision on 17 May 2022.
