A 33-YEAR-OLD INMATE RECEIVED AN ADDITIONAL 22 YEARS SENTENCE FOR FRAUD AND BLACKMAIL

A 33-year-old prisoner in one of Moldova's prisons has been sentenced to an additional 22 years of imprisonment for three cases of fraud and blackmail. All victims were single women. The perpetrator created profiles on popular applications and through dating columns, reaching out to them (having modern communication tools in the cell). Posing under various names, he lamented his difficult fate, promised romantic relationships upon his release, and then asked for money. In 2018, three victims (who took out loans from microfinance organizations) handed him modern equipment, including a refrigerator, four mobile phones, and a laptop. In the latest case, during an online acquaintance, the criminal obtained intimate photos of a woman. He then threatened to publish them and send them to her relatives. The victim handed him 129,000 lei in cash through intermediaries, and also purchased two mobile phones and an LG television. The total damage from all criminal episodes amounted to 310,000 lei. During the investigation, the inmate refused to give testimony and did not want to attend court.