Police Reform Calls for Overhaul of Investigation and Prosecution Bodies

A recent scathing report has highlighted deep-seated issues within Moldova’s prosecution and investigation bodies, calling for immediate reforms to tackle corruption and improve public trust.

Struggling to Combat Organized Crime and Terrorism

The report reveals that the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) is struggling to effectively combat organized crime, terrorism, and torture due to a lack of resources and unclear mandates. Additionally, the Security and Intelligence Service is criticized for its poor intelligence gathering methods.

Flawed Anti-Corruption Agency and Inadequate Reporting

Further criticisms have been leveled at the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NAC), which is accused of having a poor methodology for verifying assets and failing to prioritize high-level officials with questionable wealth. Annual reports from NAC, the Asset Prevention Office (APO), and the National Integrity Authority (NIA) are also deemed inadequate and contradictory.

Staff Issues and Low Morale

The report highlights that staff at these institutions are underpaid, leading to low morale and chronic turnover, while courts are selective in holding public hearings, fueling suspicions of political influence.

Recommendations for Reform

In response, a series of recommendations have been put forward by experts:

• Grant the Asset Prevention Office (APO) the authority to conduct criminal investigations into high-level corruption cases
• Amend the law to exclude supervision of NAC’s criminal investigations and instead task prosecutors from territorial offices with overseeing them
• Empower the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) to carry out special investigation measures, including surveillance and intelligence analysis
• Allow heads of specialized prosecution offices to select their own teams of prosecutors
• Provide adequate remuneration for APO staff and introduce incentives for those transferred or exercising duties outside their usual places of residence

Urgent Action Required

The report’s authors are urging parliament to take immediate action to address these issues, citing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Moldova’s investigation and prosecution bodies.