More details about detention of Moldovan diplomat

Chisinau, 17 November /MOLDPRES/- Moldova’s Consul General in Istanbul Veaceslav Filip was detained at the Chisinau airport on 16 November, suspected of involvement in a scheme of issuing documents for Arab citizens with residence visa in Moldova. Leadership of the Prosecutor’s General Office (PG) and Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) made the statements today.

Acting Prosecutor General Eduard Harunjen said that Filip and entire staff of the diplomatic mission in Istanbul had facilitated issuance of documents without security rules or precaution. The documents were issued in exchange for remuneration, amounting to hundreds of dollars.

“The criminal investigation was initiated by prosecutors of Chisinau Prosecutor’s Office and was focused on a swindling scheme committed by the Arab citizens who extorted money from their fellow citizens in order to perfect documents of entry and residence in our country. During the investigation it has been found that the Moldovan Consulate in Istanbul actively participates and is an accomplice in this scheme,” Harunjen said.

For his part, SIS director Mihai Balan said “he repeatedly warned the parliament and Foreign and European Integration Ministry (MAEIE) that the consulate in Istanbul favors some terrorist elements that may affect the country’s image and its security”.

Also, MAEIE announced it took note of the detention of the consul general noting that Filip works in the diplomatic system since 15 July 1993 and there were no any irregularities during his professional activity.

(Reporter P. Beregoi, editor M. Jantovan)