Former police officer Ion Stratulat was killed in connection with the sharing of a sphere of influence, Minister of the Interior Alexei Roibu said when presenting a report on the crime situation in Moldova before the National Security Commission, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The main version investigated by the police is the murder of Ion Stratulat by Ion Sholtoianu, who is under arrest. The alleged reason for the murder was the settling of accounts between Ion Sholtoianu and the deceased following the sharing of the sphere of economic influence. The investigation goes on to establish all the circumstances of the case,” said Alexei Roibu. Ion Stratulat was shot dead at a terrace situated on 31 August St on September 19. The person who shot left the crime scene by a car. Athlete Ion Sholtoianu was arrested in Varnita village of Anenii Noi district the next day, on suspicion that he committed the murder. Sholtoianu admitted he shot, but did not accept his blame. Law specialists say he may argue he defended himself or invoke other circumstances to prove he is not guilty.