Two police officers were sentenced to six years and five years and six months in prison, respectively, and fined 700,000 lei. The verdict was handed down by the Chisinau Court, Buiucani branch, IPN reports.

The criminal case against the two senior officers was initiated in August of last year by the National Anticorruption Center (CNA). During the investigation, it was determined that instead of probing a case of illegal trade, the officers demanded and accepted bribes to avoid registering the unlawful activities. They photographed the illegal goods but deleted the images after receiving 27,000 lei and €750 to eliminate evidence.

In addition to prison time and fines, the officers are barred from holding public office for nine years and seven years, respectively. Furthermore, the state confiscated 27,000 lei and €750 from the convicted officers.

The defendants did not admit guilt. The sentence can be appealed to the Chisinau Court of Appeal within 15 days. It is noted that every person is presumed innocent until a final court decision is rendered.