The deputy head of the Edinet District Food Safety Division was caught in the act of taking money for issuing a phytosanitary certificate for exporting apples, IPN has learned from the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The functionary has been followed for several months and in the period took bribe for several times for issuing such certificates that are mandatory for the export of food products. He acted in collusion with his son. They are now both held at the remand unit of the National Anticorruption Center. During a search at the suspect’s home, there were found large sums of money, including in foreign currency. The origin of this money is yet to be determined.

The suspect faces five to ten year in jail and a fine of 120,000 to 160,000 lei for passive corruption. He may also be banned from holding public posts or carrying out particular activities for a period of seven to ten years.