The Buiucani-based Court of Chisinau municipality extended the period of house arrest for ex-MP Kiril Luchinski, who is investigated in the case of the frauds committed at Banca de Economii, Banca Sociala and Unibank, for another 30 days. The former MP, who presented himself at the June 24 hearing, said he is innocent, IPN reports.
After the decision was pronounced, Kiril Luchinski told the press that the decision will be challenged in the Appeals Court. “I’m innocent. The accusations made against me are unsubstantiated,” he stated, noting that he has no connection with Banca de Economii and didn’t open an account there and took out no loan from this bank.
The former MP’s lawyer Corina Stratan said the court of law, when examining the application, didn’t take into account the risks invoked by the prosecution, as to the possibility that Kiril Luchinski could shirk accountability if he is set free. “The court ascertained indeed that he has a good reputation, but ordered to extend the period of house arrest for the reason that some more investigations are yet to be conducted. We do not agree with this fact and will surely appeal the decision,” stated the lawyer.
The prosecutor dealing with this case didn’t make statements for the press.
The ex-MP was arrested on May 25 and was later placed under house arrest. According to the National Anticorruption Center, this, together with three representatives of a company, are suspected of money laundering that resulted in considerable damage to the three banks. The offense carries a penalty of up to ten years in jail. The former MP is now also investigated for violating the legal property declaration regime given that he didn’t indicate that he is the owner of a company that was allegedly involved in the banking frauds. Kiril Luchinski pleads not guilty.
