The house on Camp Road no. 25 has got a sad fame in Chisinau. Known originally as one of the locations where the famous Alexander Covali, aka Shalun, held pandering activities, it seems that the same activities continue in this house four years after the conviction of its owner. The house is nicknamed by the prostitutes consumer groups DOM2” (after the famous Russian serial)  and present patron of this place, Svetlana Cernat, is called “mamma”. Although accused of pandering and is currently prosecuted, many people claim that in this house are still organized prostitution activities.

Previously criminally investigated for pandering, but apparently continued the same activities. For several months Svetlana Cernat was applied preventive measure of house arrest until the completion of a recent survey on pandering. According to prosecutors, Svetlana Cernat, dubbed the “mamma”, would rent a building in the capital, where seven young women were held for providing prostitution services.

The house on Camp Road Street, 25 is known in Chisinau as a place where sexual services are provided for a fee. It is hidden from sight by a high fence, but inside is organized for such services – many separate bedrooms, and also saunas, relaxation rooms, equipped with bars to consume drinks, with arranged metal bars for striptease. According to prosecutors, Svetlana Cernat, manages this house that in fact does not belong to her, she previously having a renting contract that would have expired in 2012. According to the prosecutor of department for combating human trafficking at Prosecutor General, Elena Cazacov, accused Cernat during 2013 to this date has committed acts qualified as pandering.

A minor exploited sexually, not to be found

“Svetlana Cernat who was acting together and in agreement with other undetermined persons, obtaining consent of Liubovi Tomova and other three persons undetermined by the prosecution to practice prostitution, facilitated prostitution finding them customers. Also, Cernat, acting further with the same purpose, has provided a place, where this were to prostitute, offering sexual services for money to various men”, says Elena Cazacov.

According to prosecution actions, carried out by law enforcement, Svetlana Cernat is the organizer of the activities in this brothel, being uncovered only a few weeks ago to organize pandering actions on Valentine’s Day, on 14th of February 2014. “Seven young women of 20-30 years were caught red-handed offering sexual services. Customers were paying for an hour of such services 50 Euro. Girls were made ​​records under administrative law, assigning fines of 500 lei. Svetlana Cernat is accused of pandering and was imposed the preventive measure of house arrest. At present, special investigative measures occur. We suspect that in this case would also be involved a minor. Although we know her personal data, she can not be found”, says investigator from Centre to combat human trafficking, Vlad Chiosa.

Valentine’s Day and of pandering

I contacted on the phone Svetlana Cernat to see what she says about the allegations against her by law enforcement. She denied the charges in partly: “Such things didn’t happen, the boys who were here on February 14th came with their girls. How could I know what were they going to do and what were those girls up to. I do not know girls who provide such services nor deal with it. This house is a place of recreation for people. There are cases when people come to solve their personal or professional problems. We also have a sauna if people want to relax, free internet access and nothing more. Currently the sauna is working and who wants can come”, said Svetlana Cernei.

We agreed to continue discussion on the spot, in the house on Camp Road where we would meet. Shortly after this phone call, called a man who did not present himself and addressed threats, saying that we are forbidden to visit this address and contact Svetlana again.

Threatening the reporter from ” DOM2 “

A little later on the number from which I called Svetana called another woman, claiming to be a pensioner who is also the owner of the building from Camp Road, 25. She again told us to not write anything about this case. I insisted to find out from the alleged owner if she knows what exactly is going on in the house that she owns and if she knows Svetlana. She said she does not know what exactly happens in this house because she spends most of the time in Israel and she needs someone to take care of the house. “Sveta pays utilities and takes care of the house. I rarely come home. Last time I was here I found Sveta accompanied by that “whore” Liuda. I chased her out of the house and told Svetlana not to play with fire. Please do not write anything about what happened because I will sue you”, said retired woman posing as the homeowner.

The press wrote that the house would belong to Alexander Covali, who was sentenced in 2010 to 19 years in prison for trafficking of minors, sexual exploitation, prostitution committed by a criminal organization, trafficking of human beings, illegal storage of weapons and ammunition, possession and use of false official documents. Also, several witnesses claim to have received sexual services in this house until recently. Although the woman in question did not come, earlier press wrote that the building would be common property of Covali Alexander’s mother.

“Woke up the girls and brought them in front of us”

We talked to several people who claim to have used the services of pandering in this house on Camp Road just recently, in the last few months. Denis (25 years) told us that during the last year was several times at the sauna called “Dom 2”, with his friends. He confesses that Svetlana Cernat has provided several girls who were providing paid sexual services. They had paid Svetlana 50 euros per prostitute.

Young people with whom we have communicated and who had access to this house, are saying that though, not anyone can go there. You need to know someone who has trust relationships with Svetlana. Denis, one of them says he went there in January 2014. “I was with several friends, it was about 5 am. ” Mamma” made ​​ each of us a cup of tea and we said we want to “rest”. She woke up the girls from sleep, there were about 5-6 girls, some younger some older. All stood in front of us and each of us had to choose one. For an hour we paid 50 euros”, says Denis.

Alexander, another young man, says that he also went to this house in December 2013. “Sauna is located on the first floor, has got a strip bar in the center. The girls dance if you want. There is also a mini bar with alcoholic beverages.”

Being put in charge for pandering activities by the Prosecutor General and being under house arrest, Svetlana Cernat should avoid past practices. However many people have said that the house continues its work. In one recent Sunday I visited this house, even though I was told to not go there by people who threatened us by phone.

It was morning and near the house on Camp Road were parked several cars, and from the window of a bedroom was seen figure of a young brunette. In a house under seizure, which occurred convictions for human trafficking, where is held under house arrest a person on charges for pandering, several signs seem dubious. But the conclusions will be made by the investigation.

Diana Pavaleanu