The IMF mission in Moldova says it has taken note of the Anticorruption Prosecutor's indictment against Victoriabank and the recent court authorization to seize its assets in connection with the 2014 bank fraud investigation. 

“It is critical to achieve tangible progress recovering assets from the 2014 bank fraud through an independent and comprehensive investigation and prosecution,” Ruben Atoyan, the IMF mission chief for Moldova, said in a press release.

“Following the 2014 fraud, several important reforms have been taken to clean up and modernize Moldova’s banking sector, including Banka Transilvania’s entry into Victoriabank, in strategic partnership with the EBRD, which has been a major milestone. Hard-earned progress in this area should be protected,” reads the press release.

“The IMF will be closely monitoring developments in this area, particularly with regards to potential implications for a new Fund-supported program, which will focus on strengthening rule of law. We stand ready to support the continuation of the reform process in Moldova,” stated Ruben Atoyan.