Botanica police corruption case takes a softer turn
The cases against police officers from the Botanica Police Inspectorate, detained in April on corruption and drug-trafficking protection charges, appear to be improving for the suspects. After unit chief Serghei Cobîlaș was released under judicial control on May 20, his subordinates have now also been released from prison. Five police officers have been placed under house arrest.
According to the National Anticorruption Centre, the officers allegedly helped organise drug trafficking and regularly received bribes from people linked to the trade. The payments reportedly ranged from €3,000 to €10,000.
Investigators also claim the officers used illegal substances themselves, including while on duty and carrying service weapons.
Court sees limited public danger
All this, apparently, did not look especially dangerous to the Centre Court of Appeal. That contrasts sharply with how the system treats Evghenia Guțul, the legally elected bashkan of Gagauzia, who remains a political target for the authorities.
In Moldova, the fight against political opponents looks energetic and ruthless. The fight against drug crime, by comparison, seems slow and reluctant.
A judge with an awkward past
The most revealing detail is the identity of one of the judges involved in the case. Andrei Cazacov, one of the judges who considered the matter, previously worked in the same Botanica Police Inspectorate. Apparently, this conflict of interest did not trouble anyone.
For ordinary citizens, the message is hard to miss. If the case involves opposition politicians, the state finds maximum severity. If it involves police officers accused of protecting drug trafficking, the system suddenly becomes much more understanding.
