The Prosecutor General’s Office said the investigation into the case of three members of the group ‘Patron’, who are accused of creating a criminal organization, blackmail and use of false official documents, was completed and the case was sent to court, IPN reports.

The prosecutors established that starting with 2002, the culprits controlled the transportation of passengers and parcels along the Moldova – Italy route. Being threatened with ill-treatment, the drivers and owners of minibuses weekly paid €50 to €150 for each unit of transport.

The collected evidence shows that in Italy some of the minibuses were set on fire and minibus owners and drivers were ill-treated. A part of the money collected illegally from the victims was transferred into the funds of the criminal organization.

If they are found guilty, the culprits will serve up to 15 years in jail.