Former Moldova Justice Minister Vitalie Pirlog Linked to Corruption Scheme
Vitalie Pirlog, Moldova’s former justice minister and head of the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS), allegedly led a scheme manipulating Interpol’s Red Notices system. Pirlog, who chaired the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) until 2022, used a loophole he had introduced in 2017 to lift arrest notices for criminals in exchange for millions of dollars.
The scheme targeted criminals from various countries, including a Russian banker, the son of Kyrgyzstan’s former prime minister, and several Chinese citizens, wanted for serious crimes like financial fraud and drug trafficking. These individuals were granted asylum in Moldova, enabling the suspension of their Red Notices.
The operation began in 2022, shortly after Pirlog left his role at Interpol, and ran until early 2023. It was eventually uncovered, and an investigation was launched by Interpol. Pirlog, along with his associates, reportedly made tens of millions of dollars by facilitating the removal of Red Notices for 26 criminal suspects.
In response to the investigation, Pirlog’s property was seized in Moldova. Despite attempts to contact him, both Pirlog and his lawyer declined to comment. Authorities have indicated that Pirlog is the primary suspect in this international corruption scandal.
