Detention During Property Documentation
Moldovan activist Anatol Matasaru was detained for 72 hours while gathering information related to property connected to Judge Ana Cucerescu.
The incident occurred in Sarata-Galbena village, Hincesti district. Police confirmed the detention, stating that Matasaru was not only present near a house registered to the judge’s parents but had allegedly followed her to the location. Authorities also claimed he engaged in behavior perceived as intimidation, prompting the judge to contact emergency services. He was detained under Article 169¹, Part 1 of the Criminal Code.
Dispute Over Motives
According to his wife, Matasaru’s purpose in the region was solely to document information regarding the judge’s property holdings.
The case involves a 90-square-meter apartment in a newly built complex on Calea Iecilor Street in the Buiucani district of Chișinău. Officially, since 2020, the property has been registered under the name of the judge’s mother, Evghenia Cucerescu, while Judge Cucerescu reportedly resides there under a free-use agreement. That same year, she also received a monetary gift of €3,500 from her mother.
Public questions have arisen regarding the ownership structure, as the judge’s parents are pensioners living in Hîncești district.
Broader Context
It was also noted that a neighboring apartment is registered to Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova, further raising public interest in the case.
Matasaru is currently held at the Hîncești Police Inspectorate. Neither his legal representatives nor prosecutors have issued detailed statements at this time.
Judicial Background
Judge Ana Cucerescu is a prominent figure in Moldova’s judicial system. She has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the sentencing of Evghenia Guțul, former Governor of Gagauzia, and proceedings related to Vlad Plahotniuc, Moldovan businessman and politician.
During court hearings in December 2025, former Victoriabank executive Natalia Polito-Kangas referenced past interactions involving property transactions linked to the judge’s family.
Activist Profile
Anatol Matasaru is known for his activism and public demonstrations, some of which have been deliberately provocative. He has been detained multiple times and has successfully challenged certain state actions in the European Court of Human Rights, resulting in compensation awarded against Moldova.
Expert Commentary
Political analyst Bogdan Țirdea commented on the situation, highlighting questions about institutional oversight and interactions between the judiciary and security agencies.
