The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Daniela Misail-Nikitin
According to the official data of the Romanian Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), the truck (tractor-trailer) contained 18 portable anti-tank missiles, 8 anti-tank grenade launchers, a portable air defense system and drone components. The accompanying documents listed the cargo as scrap metal.
The Moldovan Prosecutor General’s Office gave approximately the same data. It noted, however, that based on the evidence collected and preliminary information on the case, “it was not established that the weapons or ammunition originated from military or strategic depots, such as the Colbasna depot or the National Army depots.” “These ammunition were smuggled into Moldova with the help of a carrier who periodically transported goods from Ukraine by truck,” the prosecutor’s office said.
DIICOT in Romania detained a 37-year-old driver, a Moldovan citizen, suspected of participating “in a cross-border organized criminal group specialized in smuggling weapons and ammunition to Israel, as well as in using false customs documents.” The Romanian side reported that the smuggled goods were loaded into a truck in Chisinau municipality.
In Moldova, according to the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOS), three persons were detained: the head of the company that ordered the transportation of the goods, the head of the transportation company and the broker. Later, the head of the State Police Inspectorate Viorel Cherneutianu informed about another detainee. A criminal case was opened under the article “on smuggling of weapons, ammunition, military devices and other prohibited or strategic goods committed by a group of persons”.
The director of the transportation company at the time of detention managed to say to journalists: “You have been thrown bones, look for meat!”. This phrase is still “hanging” in the public space.
Expectedly, the parliamentary hearings were held behind closed doors. Commission Vice Chairman Renato Usatii suggested that the hearings be held in the open whenever possible, provided that the information provided would not harm the ongoing investigation. However, Commission Chairwoman Lilian Karp insisted that only those with state secrets clearance should participate.
No new leads on the types, origin and intended purpose of the weapons were presented to the public by the commission after the hearing. And neither will we. We will leave it to the competent authorities to do their job (although, according to some reports, the investigation has actually stalled). But it is still worth mentioning the expected consequences of this egregious case.
First, in a normal situation, resignations should follow. Former Justice Minister Alexandru Tanase is categorical: “The situation requires decisive, clear and unambiguous action: if this is real smuggling, there should be political resignations at the highest level. Not ‘commissions’, not ‘internal checks’, not ‘technical analyses’. But resignations and arrests. On the other hand, the leadership of the Customs Service was appointed recently – and it is also inconvenient to dismiss them at once. The government has not even been sworn in for a month….
Secondly, it is a serious blow to the image of our pro-European authorities. Former Interior Minister Andrei Nastase said: “The case with the transportation of weapons at the Albica-Leuseni checkpoint demonstrates a serious breach in Moldova’s security system, an incredibly dangerous blow to our relations with Romania and a serious shadow on the country’s European path”. Elena Dragalin, the mother of the former head of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office Veronica Dragalin, also gloated: “Europe, we are coming! Even if it’s not 2028 yet. And we will bring you cigarettes, drugs and weapons. Cheap and of high quality.
Interior Minister Daniela Misail-Nikitin said that the version “about an attempt to discredit Moldova” is also being investigated.
“I inform you that a joint investigation group with Romania has been set up, through which information is exchanged through secure channels, as well as the exchange of evidence. At the moment, based on the investigation and prosecution data, it can be reported that this batch of ammunition entered the territory of Moldova in a segmented manner, i.e. two units at a time, through the border crossing point from the direction of Ukraine. Their origin from military depots or other strategic arsenals is not confirmed. It is known that the persons responsible for drawing up customs documents and organizing the export have been detained and are under arrest. All possible scenarios, including the version of an attempt to discredit Moldova, are being preliminarily investigated”.
Thirdly, this is a “good” reason to ask the EU for more money to modernize our customs and border services. Former Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta believes: “Special services, including those that are part of the National Army, should give explanations. Especially considering that millions of lei have been allocated in recent years to improve their operational capabilities, while their leaders have been regularly promoted to positions and military ranks.”
Radu Vrabie, head of the Customs Service, concluded that “this case shows us, among other things, how important it is to have modern and efficient scanning equipment at all border crossing points”.
Fourth, it should be an incentive to update legislation. The Interior Ministry has already said it is going to toughen penalties for drugs and weapons smuggling, and has even published some draft legislation. But there is nothing in it about arms smuggling. Maybe in a hurry, they did not have time before the parliamentary commission.
Fifth, this case once again demonstrated the chaos in communication between institutions. Even public statements of officials contradicted each other at times. For the authorities, who have set a course for “transparency” and “European standards of governance”, such discordant statements are also a painful blow.
Sixth, when weapons can easily cross the border, a legitimate question arises about possible corruption schemes. Lawyer Eduard Rudenco noted on his social media page, “I am deeply concerned about the fact that the Albica customs point, one of the most well-equipped with control equipment, was chosen. And yet – despite the modern equipment, despite the procedures – criminals tried to smuggle weapons there. This says a lot. It is obvious and clear: without the involvement of specialized institutions of both countries, this smuggling scheme simply could not have existed”.
Seventh, the case could turn into a serious internal political tool. Tensions in society are growing. The opposition is using the scandal to put pressure on the authorities, the authorities are trying to minimize the damage, and the public is losing confidence in both.
And finally, eighth. PLDM requested the convening of the National Security Council. This is now the name of the Supreme Security Council, according to the decree of President Maia Sandu. It must necessarily include “a full analysis of the actions and inactions of the SIS, Customs Service, Border Police and all relevant structures, as well as an assessment of the risk that Moldova’s logistical infrastructure – road, port, railroad and airport – could be used for arms smuggling.”
Indeed, if even now there is no reason to convene a National Security Council, it is frightening to think what could be it…. Aliens?
