Illegal imports of luxury cars to Russia, circumventing sanctions. Moldova appears in OLAF investigation

MoldovaLive, 2 February 2026 16:30

The Republic of Moldova, along with four other post-Soviet states, appears in a scheme that involved the illegal import of luxury cars into the Russian Federation by bypassing international sanctions. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) reported the information, as cited by IPN. OLAF launched the investigation after Polish authorities identified suspicious exports of cars from […] The post Illegal imports of luxury cars to Russia, circumventing sanctions. Moldova appears in OLAF investigation appeared first on Moldova.

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Last 4 hours
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Estonia will open an embassy in the Republic of Moldova. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu announced the decision after a meeting with his counterparts from the Baltic states. The diplomatic mission is expected to become operational in the second half of 2026. As a result, all three Baltic states will have embassies in the Republic of […] The post Igor Grosu: Estonia will open an embassy in the Republic of Moldova appeared first on Moldova.
16:30
The Republic of Moldova, along with four other post-Soviet states, appears in a scheme that involved the illegal import of luxury cars into the Russian Federation by bypassing international sanctions. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) reported the information, as cited by IPN. OLAF launched the investigation after Polish authorities identified suspicious exports of cars from […] The post Illegal imports of luxury cars to Russia, circumventing sanctions. Moldova appears in OLAF investigation appeared first on Moldova.
Last 6 hours
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Last 8 hours
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Last 12 hours
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The leader of Norways Green Party, Arild Hermstad, announced that he has nominated President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a public post, the Norwegian politician said that Maia Sandu stands on the front line of democracy in Europe, at a time when the Republic of Moldova has […] The post “On the Front Line of Democracy”: Norway’s Green Party Leader Nominates Maia Sandu for Nobel Peace Prize appeared first on Moldova.
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More than 2 days ago
17:50
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17:00
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The Republic of Moldova will provide Ukraine with a new batch of humanitarian assistance worth about 118.4 million lei, according to a draft government decision reviewed by state secretaries on January 30, reports bani.md. The aid is aimed at helping Ukraine cope with the consequences of the war, particularly in civil protection, healthcare, and the […] The post Moldova offers Ukraine aid worth over 118 million lei appeared first on Moldova.
14:50
The first meeting in 2026 between the political representatives of Chisinau and Tiraspol, in the 1+1 format, may take place soon. Preparations are underway on all key issues, including conditions for gas deliveries to the region. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri made the statement on Wednesday, January 28, during the TV8 program “Novaia […] The post The first “1+1” meeting between Chisinau and Tiraspol in 2026 could take place soon appeared first on Moldova.
12:50
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12:00
The examination of the request to limit the activity of the “Great Moldova” party has been suspended. The political party asked the Constitutional Court to review the legality of several provisions that allow authorities to restrict party activity based on reasonable suspicions without evidence of illegal actions. The partys lawyer, Igor Hlopetchi, told IPN that […] The post The “Great Moldova” party has filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court. The request to restrict the party’s activities has been temporarily blocked appeared first on Moldova.
11:00
The Russian disinformation network has launched a large scale campaign against the Republic of Moldova for the first time since its electoral defeat. Analysts at Disinfo.md say they have identified indicators showing preparations for a broad information operation designed to amplify public anxiety, undermine trust in state institutions, and portray Moldova as an unsafe actor […] The post After the elections, the Russian disinformation network launched an information offensive against Moldova appeared first on Moldova.
10:10
Law enforcement officers are conducting searches in Chisinau and Ialoveni in a criminal case involving the misappropriation and illegal use of information classified as commercial secrets. Investigators say that during 2025 several employees of a company based in Chisinau unlawfully obtained confidential technical and commercial data and used it for personal gain or for the […] The post Commercial data theft: Authorities conduct searches in Chisinau and Ialoveni appeared first on Moldova.
29 January 2026
18:50
Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban proposed that the Government refrain from shortening the working day on Friday, as previously announced, and instead allow people to stay at home due to weather warnings and difficult road conditions. Ion Ceban said the Government should not proceed with shortening the working day, an initiative it announced a few days […] The post (VIDEO) Ion Ceban asks the government to allow people to stay home on Friday due to the weather appeared first on Moldova.
17:10
The Ministry of Education and Research (MER) announced the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (ONIA) for the first time in the Republic of Moldova. The National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC) organizes the competition. The Olympiad aims to develop students skills not only in creating ICT projects but also in building complex Artificial […] The post Moldova is organizing, for the first time, the National Artificial Intelligence Olympiad appeared first on Moldova.
16:10
The Public Property Agency and Chisinau International Airport (AIC) signed the handover takeover documents on Thursday, January 29, for the oil terminal complex located on the airport premises and previously owned by Lukoil Moldova. The Ministry of Energy announced that the transfer followed a decision adopted on December 15, 2025, by the Commission for the […] The post Lukoil’s assets at Chisinau Airport have been returned to the state: the takeover process has been completed appeared first on Moldova.
15:00
Two of Romania’s three oil refineries will suspend operations in February, a situation that could also affect the Republic of Moldova, which relies heavily on fuel imports from across the Prut River, economedia.ro reports. According to Bani.md, the Petromidia refinery operated by Rompetrol will enter a scheduled general overhaul, while Petrotel Lukoil will undergo maintenance […] The post Two refineries in Romania are temporarily shutting down. What impact could this have on Moldova’s fuel supply? appeared first on Moldova.
13:30
Representatives discussed the Republic of Moldova’s experience in combating disinformation and its commitment to promoting human rights and the equal participation of women in decision making at an event of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi attended. The event focused on […] The post Mihai Popsoi Highlights Moldova’s Commitment to Human Rights and Gender Equality at PACE appeared first on Moldova.
12:10
Operation ID Card has left tens of thousands of people without valid documents. After authorities implemented the new Population Registry Law adopted in 2023, more than 100,000 Romanian citizens born in the Republic of Moldova lost their identity cards, Digi24 reports. Official data from the General Directorate for Persons Records show that by the end […] The post “Operation ID Card”: After the law was amended, over 100,000 Moldovans were left without identity cards appeared first on Moldova.
11:00
Parliament Deputy Speaker Vlad Batrincea announced that the Socialist Party, together with representatives of other opposition parties, will submit a motion of no confidence against the government led by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. He said the initiative seeks to evaluate the government’s performance after its first three months in office, according to IPN. “This exercise […] The post The opposition is calling for the prime minister’s resignation. Batrincea: “The motion of censure is a legal opportunity to call him to account” appeared first on Moldova.
9:50
Since January 1, after authorities introduced the simplified tax regime for independent economic activity, 680 freelancers have registered their status. Of these, 252 opened bank accounts, and 9 have already purchased cash register and control equipment. Officials presented the data during a discussion on the new tax regime held on January 28. The Director of […] The post Freelancers under the new tax regime: over 680 already registered, 252 with bank accounts appeared first on Moldova.
28 January 2026
21:00
The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania has warned Moldovan citizens who plan to travel to or transit through North Macedonia about possible disruptions at border crossings caused by announced protests by freight transport associations. According to the embassy, demonstrations may take place at the Deve Bair, Delchevo, Novo […] The post Warning for Moldovan citizens: risks of border closures in North Macedonia due to protests appeared first on Moldova.
16:40
A 52 year old Moldovan woman died on Tuesday morning, January 27, after a truck hit her head on in the city of Bergamo, Italy. The woman had lived in Italy since 2008 with her husband. On the day of the accident, she was riding her scooter home after cleaning a private residence. In the […] The post Tragedy in Italy. A Moldovan woman died after being hit by a truck appeared first on Moldova.
15:30
The 2026 edition of the Electoral Forum focused on the parliamentary elections held in September 2025. The event brought together public authorities, members of parliament, experts, diplomats, and civil society representatives to analyze the electoral process and discuss challenges and lessons for future elections. The Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT) and the Promo-LEX Association organized […] The post Electoral Forum: The 2025 parliamentary elections were the central topic of discussion appeared first on Moldova.
14:20
Chisinau authorities are preparing measures to prevent individuals convicted in the Republic of Moldova from leaving the country through the Transnistrian region, Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin said. Authorities have already set up a working group that includes representatives of the Prosecutor General Office. The group is identifying legislative solutions to prevent such cases. “I do […] The post Ministry of Internal Affairs: Chisinau prepares measures to prevent convicted persons from fleeing the country via Transnistria appeared first on Moldova.
12:50
Ukrainian refugees will benefit from temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova until March 1, 2027, according to a decision approved today by the Government. At the same time, a mechanism for extending temporary protection has been introduced for current beneficiaries, through the submission of an online application between February 1 and April 30, 2026. […] The post Chisinau extends temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until March 1, 2027 appeared first on Moldova.
11:50
Health Minister Emil Ceban said Moldovan authorities do not have tests for the Nipah virus and stressed that the disease does not currently pose a threat to Europe or to the Republic of Moldova. The minister explained that bats transmit the virus to pigs and that it can also infect humans. He noted that the […] The post Could students from India bring the Nipah virus to Moldova? “There are some discussions, some rumors. There are no tests” appeared first on Moldova.
11:10
The National Army is expanding, and Moldova will add 2,000 soldiers, according to Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii. The minister said the strategy approved in October 2025 provides for this measure, and authorities will implement the increase gradually. “The Military Strategy approved in October last year sets out the planned increase in the number of soldiers […] The post (VIDEO) The National Army is expanding by 2,000 soldiers. Nosatii explains why this measure is necessary appeared first on Moldova.
10:00
Radu Marian, Vice President of the Action and Solidarity Party PAS, commented on the scandal surrounding the amendments to the Citizenship Law and stressed that the issue is not new but stems from national security risks that emerged after Russia launched its war against Ukraine. He made the statements during the Rezoomat program on RLIVE […] The post Radu Marian: Changes to the citizenship law were necessary for national security appeared first on Moldova.
27 January 2026
18:50
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated that France’s decision to ban certain food products containing residues of pesticides not approved in the European Union will not directly affect the Republic of Moldova, BANI.MD reports. Asked about the impact of the measure, the head of government said authorities also discussed the issue at the governmental level, including […] The post (VIDEO) Munteanu: France’s restrictions on foods containing pesticides do not directly target Moldova appeared first on Moldova.
17:20
Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan answered questions from RFI journalists on Tuesday, January 27, during a discussion that also covered sensitive issues of foreign policy and bilateral relations. Journalists asked the Bucharest leader about statements made by Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who said she would vote “yes” in a possible referendum on reunification with Romania, […] The post Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan supports unification with the Republic of Moldova, in the event of a referendum appeared first on Moldova.
16:10
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu today had a meeting with Izabela Sylwia Hartmann, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. During the discussion, the speaker reiterated Moldova’s firm commitment to the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. Igor Grosu stressed that the Moldovan authorities were closely monitoring the situation regarding respect for human rights on […] The post Igor Grosu Reaffirms Moldova’s Commitment to Peaceful Settlement of Transnistrian Conflict appeared first on Moldova.
15:10
Former Democratic Party MP Constantin Tutu received an eight-year prison sentence with immediate enforcement in a case involving illicit enrichment and influence peddling. The court also fined him 450,000 lei and banned him from holding public office for five years. The court delivered the ruling on January 27, 2026, in Tutu’s absence. Judges acquitted him […] The post BREAKING NEWS! Constantin Tutu has been sentenced to 8 years in prison appeared first on Moldova.
14:00
Socialist deputy Igor Dodon submitted a request to speak at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), following President Maia Sandu’s speech. He wants to present the perspective of opposition political forces and claims that Maia Sandu prioritized foreign interests over Moldova’s national concerns. Dodon stated, “At Strasbourg, President Maia Sandu, in her […] The post Following the statement by the head of state in Strasbourg, Dodon also wants to address the Council of Europe: “I have submitted a request” appeared first on Moldova.
12:50
President Maia Sandu of Moldova stated at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) that authorities must protect freedom of expression from fake accounts posing as independent voices. She emphasized that hybrid tools, including fake social media accounts, amplify disinformation. The president noted that technology intensifies the spread of false information and stressed […] The post Sandu: “Freedom of expression must be protected from fake accounts that present themselves as free voices” appeared first on Moldova.
11:50
The U.S. has initiated the process of appointing a full-fledged ambassador to Chisinau, but the procedure is taking time, as the U.S. political agenda currently focuses on domestic issues. Vlad Kulminski, the Ambassador of Moldova to Washington, said that Moldova’s situation is not unique and resembles that of other countries in the region, reports IPN. […] The post Moldova will have a U.S. ambassador! Kulminski: The procedure has been initiated, but it takes time appeared first on Moldova.
11:10
The Mayor of Chisinau, Ion Ceban, called for the urgent convening of the National Emergency Situations Commission and ordered the mobilization of all available forces due to dangerous weather conditions across the country. He urged the public to avoid travel and stay at home to reduce risks and allow specialized services to intervene effectively. According […] The post Ion Ceban calls for an emergency meeting of the Commission for Exceptional Situations: “People should stay at home” appeared first on Moldova.
10:10
On 27 January, the Republic of Moldova commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which President Maia Sandu described in a public message as a tragedy whose memory still fills us with horror today. “Six million Jews were killed simply because they were Jews, alongside Roma people, persons with disabilities, and others murdered solely because they […] The post Moldova commemorates Holocaust victims. Maia Sandu: “A tragedy whose memory still fills us with horror today” appeared first on Moldova.
26 January 2026
18:20
Five athletes will represent the Republic of Moldova at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The national team includes Iulian Luchin, Alina Stremous, Pavel Magazeev, Maxim Makarov, and Elizaveta Hlusovici, IPN reports. In cross-country skiing, Iulian Luchin, 21, and Elizaveta Hlusovici, 18, will make their Olympic debut. The 2026 edition […] The post Five athletes will represent Moldova at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Who are they? appeared first on Moldova.
16:50
The Republic of Moldova proves that a country can break free from Russia’s sphere of influence and can continue to rely on Poland’s support along this path, Polish President Karol Nawrocki said during a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu, who is on an official visit to Warsaw. “I believe that today, before our […] The post Maia Sandu visits Warsaw: Discussions on a bilateral agreement in the field of defense appeared first on Moldova.
15:50
Energocom will submit a request to adjust the natural gas tariff immediately after the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) approves the base costs. Alexandr Slusari, a member of Energocom’s Council, said the regulator is expected to approve the base costs tomorrow, and Energocom’s management confirmed that it will file the tariff adjustment request the following […] The post Gas price reduction, one step away! When will Energocom submit the request? appeared first on Moldova.
14:50
Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized that EU enlargement strengthens Europe’s security rather than serving as an act of generosity. During her official visit to Poland, she highlighted Russia’s hybrid actions against Moldova, reaffirmed support for Ukraine, and underlined Chisinau’s commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. Thanks to the support of international partners, including […] The post Maia Sandu in Warsaw: The EU enlargement is not an act of generosity. It is an investment in Europe’s security appeared first on Moldova.
13:30
The Socialists may initiate a motion of no confidence against the cabinet led by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. Igor Dodon said on the program 7 Days on Cinema 1 that enough MPs stand ready to sign the document. According to the MP, the population struggles to pay utility bills during the cold season and expresses […] The post Socialists may table a motion of no confidence against the government. Dodon: “We need 26 signatures. We have them” appeared first on Moldova.
12:50
Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi will pay a working visit to Strasbourg from January 26 to 28. In his capacity as Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, he will take part in the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). On January 28, Popsoi will […] The post Moldova’s Council of Europe Chairmanship in Focus as Popsoi Addresses PACE appeared first on Moldova.
11:40
The PAS MP and Olympic wrestling silver medalist Anastasia Nichita announced on Monday morning, January 26, that she is stepping down from her parliamentary mandate because she cannot currently balance motherhood, her sports career, and legislative duties. Nichita wrote in a public message that the position of MP requires full presence, complete dedication, and energy […] The post Resignation after only a few months. Anastasia Nichita gives up her seat in parliament appeared first on Moldova.
9:50
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piorko, says that every voice represented in Parliament is backed by citizens, referring to the dialogue initiated with the opposition in Chisinau. The official noted that European Commissioner Marta Kos also invited all parliamentary factions to discussions, and all accepted the invitation except […] The post The EU Ambassador Iwona Piorko: Every Voice in Parliament Is Backed by Citizens and Must Be Heard appeared first on Moldova.
23 January 2026
17:00
Gazprom appointed members of the Moldovagaz Supervisory Board have requested the suspension of interim chairman Vadim Ceban and called for an audit of expenses, investments, and decisions taken during his mandate. Vadim Ceban rejected the allegations in a comment to IPN, calling them false. “These are absurd allegations that do not reflect reality. No such […] The post Gazprom requested an audit of Moldovagaz and the suspension of Ceban. The reaction of the Ministry of Energy appeared first on Moldova.
16:10
The National Police of Moldova submitted a request to Interpol to place former head of the General Police Inspectorate Alexandru Pinzari and former head of Directorate 5 Valeriu Cojocaru on the international wanted list. Authorities sentenced both to three years in prison in the fictitious employment case. Police representatives told IPN that they sent the […] The post Will Valeriu Cojocaru and Alexandru Pinzari be sought by Interpol? Chisinau has sent the request appeared first on Moldova.
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