Moldovan prosecutors have started 35 high-scale searches at tour operators based in Chisinau.

The drive is part of a criminal case opened for tax evasion, deemed to have damaged the public budget of about 3.000.000 lei ($150,000). 

The investigated tourism agencies have allegedly sold travel tickets through off-shore firms.

The penalty for such an offense is 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $250.