Moldova's consul general in Istanbul will have to face trial, accused of corruption.

Between 2012 and 2016, the consul extorted and received money and goods while serving as consul of Moldova in Istanbul (Turkey) in exchange for simplifying consular services for seven people in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

He is also accused of flagrant violation of legislation on the issue of entry and residence documents on Moldova territory for citizens of Arab origin, but also violations of the rules regarding the fight against international terrorism.

Note that, in some cases, he ensures visa issuance without the presence of applicant to the Consulate. For services provided to the Consul General, $ 100 - 200 was charged.

Together with him, the Honorary Consul of Syria in Moldova and his brother, both accused of committing active corruption as people with public dignity. 

The Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office completed the criminal investigation and dispatched the criminal case in court.

The detention of the Moldova's Consul General in Istanbul took place on November 16, 2016, at the Chisinau International Airport, when the official descended from the plane from Turkey. 

The same criminal case includes the Syrian Honorary Consul in Moldova, who is accused of influencing several people whom he could give bribe to complete the documents at Moldova Consulate in Istanbul. 

In particular, the Syrian official, with his brother's help, redirected Syrian citizens to stay for long-term in Moldova, in exchange for $1,000-2,000.

If found guilty, the Consul General of the Republic of Moldova in Istanbul risks jail of up to 15 years and a fine of up to 10,000 conventional units (500,000 lei) and deprivation of the right to occupy certain public positions or to exercise certain activities for period up to 15 years.

In order to curb active corruption, the Syrian Honorary Consul in the Republic of Moldova and his brother are at risk of imprisonment for up to 12 years with a fine of up to 8,000 conventional units.