Two investigation officers from two subdivisions of the Botanica Police Inspectorate were fined 150,000 lei each for influence peddling. According to prosecutors, the illegalities were committed when the two were responsible for escorting a detained person, IPN reports.

According to the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office, the criminal case was initiated by the National Anticorruption Center in December 2017, based on the complaint of a close relative of the person from whom the money was asked. It was a person suspected of fraud. While escorting the suspect, the investigation officers asked for €2,000 from him, claiming that they have influence over the prosecutor in charge of the case and can determine him not to ask the investigating judge to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Thus, the officers deliberately delayed escorting the person to the remand prison. They also offered him a technical means of communication to contact his relatives to provide the requested money.

The criminal investigation lasted for nine months, while the trial for more than five years. The defendants did not admit their blame.

In addition to the fines in the amount of 150,000 lei, the two investigation officers were also banned from holding public office for a period of two years. The sentence can be appealed to the Chisinau Court of Appeals.