2006 Press Releases

Moldovan Authorities and U.S. Embassy Successfully Recover Property Stolen by Online Fraud

September 5, 2006

On September 5, 2006, the Moldovan Ministry of Internal Affairs turned over to the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau property valued at 150,000 USD that had been stolen from Americans via Internet transactions. 

The U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Internal Affairs had been working since April 2006 on a large-scale criminal investigation of Internet auction fraud.  The investigation involved 32 American victims and approximately 250,000 USD in stolen, high-value jewelry obtained through the mail from the United States.  Property belonging to eight additional victims has also been seized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is being prepared for return to the United States.

A significant criminal enterprise operating from Moldova and Romania had been defrauding Americans by attempting to fraudulently buy personal property on line.  The Ministry of Internal Affairs has arrested two Posta Moldovei employees connected to this investigation. 

An Embassy official described Interior Ministry’s efforts as “commendable and exemplary of the strong relationship between the American and Moldovan governments.”

The U.S. Government warns American citizens (http://travel.state.gov/) that substantial criminal enterprises specializing in this type of crime are emerging in Moldova. “The Moldovan and U.S. law enforcement authorities are working together closely to address this crime trend,” the Embassy official added.