2007 News Archive

Invited American Experts Discuss Law Enforcement Cooperation

December 05, 2007

American law enforcement officials discuss international cooperation with students at Moldovan universities

American law enforcement officials discussed the role of international cooperation in successful prosecution of child sexual abuse cases with 165 Moldovan university students. 
Michael Levy, Assistant United States Attorney, and William Flanagan, Supervisory Special Agent for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service, who were invited to Moldova by the U.S. Embassy, met with law students at the State Universities of Chisinau and Balti on December 4 and 5.  The two special guests worked jointly with Moldovan law enforcement authorities in the ground-breaking prosecution of American citizen Anthony Mark Bianchi who traveled to Moldova to engage in sexual activity with minors.  On August 3, 2007Bianchi was found guilty by a federal court in the U.S. and now faces up to 30.4 years in prison. 

Mr. Levy and Mr. Flanagan explained the legal criteria and investigative procedures involved in this case at Moldova State University in Chisinau and Alecu Russo State University in Balti. They noted that the ease of international travel has also made it easier for criminals to commit crimes in countries in which they believe they will be able to escape prosecution. The Bianchi case was a success because cooperation between U.S. and Moldovan law enforcement agencies prevented him from avoiding payment for his crime.  The speakers stressed that this case will be studied by legal experts worldwide as a model for future international prosecutions.