Ex-President Igor Dodon has been charged with abuse of authority in the interests of a criminal group in 2008-2009, when he served as first Deputy Prime Minister and minister of economy and trade. He was classed as a suspect and was questioned in this case on December 29, 2021, IPN reports.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said Igor Dodon, from the position he held then, issued an appraisal based on which a contract for the purchase of electrical energy for the Republic of Moldova was signed in May 2008 at a time when SA “Energocom” already negotiated and signed two contracts for the supply of power at a price that was by 29% lower.

As a result of those acts, the state was caused damage estimated at over US$ 11.9 million, which is equal to about 124 million lei. The money was later transferred to the accounts of offshore companies. Simultaneously, those actions led to a rise in electricity rates, affecting the rights of end users in Moldova.

When being questioned today, the ex-President of the Republic of Moldova denied any wrongdoing, maintaining the statements he made as a suspect. He is under house arrest and is obliged to present himself at the investigation body.