Moldovan consul in Odessa arrested for bribery
Sergey Sheptelich, the Moldovan consul in Odessa, was arrested on Tuesday by members of the Moldovan Anticorruption Prosecution and National Anticorruption Center (NAC), the NAC announced in a press release.
Before the arrest, the consulate offices in Odessa and the consul’s apartment were searched by law enforcement.
The consul has been accused of passive corruption. On 6 April 2018, he is believed to have illegally issued a citizen of an Arab country a 60-day Moldovan visa in exchange for a €100 bribe.
During the preliminary investigation, the consul did not admit his guilt. He has been taken back to his home country, and is barred from leaving for 30 days.
If he is found guilty, he could be fined the equivalent of $2,900-5,800 and be banned from holding certain positions for up to five years.