Former Cricova mayoral candidate sentenced for distributing 1.42 million lei to “Șansa” party activists
He transferred 1.42 million lei to activists of the "Șansa" Party, which is affiliated with the convicted Ilan Shor. The money was intended for the illegal financing of the party, including support for a candidate and the organization of meetings. Andrei Galațchi, a former candidate for mayor of Cricova, a suburb of Chișinău, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of illegally financing political parties using prohibited sources.
On December 19, the Chisinau Court in Buiucani, pronounced the sentence. The preventive measure of pre-trial detention will remain in place for the convicted individual until the sentence becomes final, as will the ongoing search.
The court also ordered the confiscation of 1,420,000 lei, which was determined to be financial resources used to commit the crime, with the funds to benefit the state.
The court established that “the funds were neither accounted for nor declared by the ‘Şansa’ Party as required by legislation.”
According to the judges, Galațchi acted in collaboration with other individuals previously associated with the “Şor” political party, under whom a criminal investigation is still ongoing. They distributed money to sector presidents and activists under their authority.
Additionally, the state received 18,200 lei to cover legal expenses for preparing forensic reports. Confiscated items included two mobile phones, a laptop, as well as various amounts of cash totaling 1,514 dollars, 30 pounds sterling, 3,980 euros, and 36,800 lei, all recognized as evidence of the crime.
The criminal case was examined from March 12 to December 19 by a judge specializing in corruption-related cases. During this period, 36 court hearings were held.
The sentence is not final and can be appealed to the Central Court of Appeal.
