Fugitive former MP Constantin Țuțu 'in Transnistria'
A former Moldovan MP, Constantin Țuțu, has reportedly left Greece immediately after his release from arrest and is believed to be in the Transnistrian region, a breakaway territory not under the control of the central government.
The information was detailed in a note from the National Investigation Inspectorate (NII) sent to the country's Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office (PA). However, Moldova's Border Police have not recorded his return since he legally left the country in July.
"Plausible evidence was presented confirming that he is not in the territory of the Republic of Moldova," said prosecutor Elena Cazacov. "According to the NII, Țuțu is on the left bank of the Dniester, which is not controlled by Moldovan authorities." She made the comments after a court hearing in a case where Țuțu faces charges of illicit enrichment and influence peddling.
In the note addressed to the PA, the NII writes that the former MP is currently in "the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova," adding that "the way he entered the country is unknown."
Asked to comment on the contradictory information from state institutions, the head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, said he currently could not provide more details than those announced by the prosecutors.
Țuțu was arrested on 22 July at Athens airport alongside former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc on an Interpol Red Notice issued by Russia. He is accused of involvement in an international drug trafficking network and membership of a criminal organisation.
At the time of their arrest, Greek authorities confiscated more than €150,000 and 17 fake documents.
He was freed by a Greek court in early September on the grounds that Moldova had not issued an extradition warrant.
Although he had bought a ticket for a flight to Chișinău on 4 September, he never arrived in the Republic of Moldova.
The head of the GPI, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, announced on 15 September that Țuțu has a ban on leaving Greece but could travel to other countries within the Schengen Area by road transport.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
