The former Lib-Dem MP Chiril Lucinschi will spend at least 30 more days under house arrest, as decided on Monday by the Buiucani District Court.

Prosecutor Vladislav Bobrov said the extension was requested to prevent Lucinschi from obstructing the course of justice. “He could approach the witnesses that are to be heard in the case. Also, in order to complete the proceedings within a reasonable time, we consider that this extension of the preventive measure of house arrest will benefit the progress of the case”, said the prosecutor

Lucinschi’s lawyer Corina Stratan said she disagrees with the decision and will request the Court of Appeals to review it. She argued, in particular, that in requesting the extension the prosecution cited an accusation that had not been included in the decision to start criminal proceedings, which amounts to a procedural violation.

On August 1, the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office completed the investigation and sent to court the criminal case against Lucinschi, who was arrested two months ago for alleged fraud at Banca de Economii, Banca Sociala and Unibank. The former MP is accused of using intermediaries to launder large amounts of money through those banks. He is also accused of failing to properly declare his wealth. While pleading not guilty, Lucinschi faces 10 years in prison under the charges.