The head of a Chisinau hospital’s surgery department will stand trial on charges of asking and accepting undue financial gains from patients and their families in exchange for surgical procedures. The Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office said the doctor asked and received at least 50,000 lei, or 2,600 euros.

The suspect has been suspended from his post and placed under house arrest. He entered a guilty plea in the hope of receiving minimal punishment, which is 3 years’ imprisonment (with potential probation), together with a fine of 4,000 conventional units and a ban from holding certain posts for 5 years.

The suspect also faces extensive confiscation that involves cash money collected during searches as well as other assets assessed at a total of 700,000 lei.