USM dean and College of Ecology director face corruption charges
A dean of a faculty at the State University of Moldova (USM), the director of the College of Ecology in the capital, two intermediaries, and three students are currently under criminal investigation for passive corruption and influence peddling.
This vast scheme of academic corruption is shaking the higher education sector.
On November 11, prosecutors and anti-corruption officers from the National Anti-corruption Center (CNA) carried out coordinated searches in Chișinău, targeting the seven individuals in this dean investigation.
According to the CNA, the dean—who holds the position of a scientific advisor and is a member of the 2025 bachelor's thesis defense committee—allegedly solicited and accepted funds. The money was paid in exchange for him preparing and electronically providing bachelor's thesis fraud papers to students within his faculty.
He further allegedly exerted influence over the specialized committee members to ensure the promotion and passing of the fraudulent works.
Following the CNA searches conducted at the seven suspects' homes and offices, authorities seized documents, electronic media, diplomas, and substantial sums of cash. The legal origin of these assets is yet to be determined by the ongoing anti-corruption probe.
The seven suspects will be investigated without detention.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
