The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (PA) announces that it will appeal to the Chisinau Court of Appeal the decision to acquit former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is accused of committing, in complicity with the former head of the Human Resources Section of the Prosecutor General’s Office Maria Cobzari, the crime of exceeding the duties of office (art. 328 para. (3) (b) of the Criminal Code).

The criminal case was initiated in October 2021 by a prosecutor of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office appointed by the Superior Council of Prosecutors (SCP).

“According to the materials, Alexandr Stoianoglo and his former subordinate, relieved prosecutor Nicolae Chitoroagă from his position, knowing that at that time the criminal prosecution of the person in question was being carried out and he had the status of a defendant, knowing that according to the legal provisions in such cases the payment of the dismissal allowance of the resigning prosecutors is suspended, intentionally acted contrary to the legal provisions and ordered the payment of the dismissal allowance in the amount of 163 990,13 lei, thus damaging the budget of the Prosecutor’s Office”, the PA notes.

In its February 28 ruling, the Buiucani court acquitted the defendants, who are accused of committing the crime of exceeding their official duties, and a separate opinion was issued by one of the three judges on the existence of their guilt.

Alexandr Stoianoglo was suspended from the position of Prosecutor General in early October 2021, under investigation for passive bribery, making false statements, abuse of office and exceeding official duties. On 26 September 2023, Alexandr Stoianoglo was relieved of his duties as Prosecutor General.