Electoral corruption through intermediaries in Orhei for voting for Victoria Furtună in the presidential elections and choosing the 'against' option in the 2024 constitutional referendum

During the electoral period (September–October 2024), before the election on 20.10.2024, Șarcanean Iosif allegedly engaged in electoral corruption actions in the Orhei district, acting with direct intent, offering 1,600 lei to the voter Elizaveta Balan, through Alexandra Palamari, to persuade her to vote in favor of the presidential candidate, Victoria Furtună.
Separately, he offered 500 lei to Chirja Serghei to persuade him to vote 'NO' in the constitutional referendum regarding EU accession.

First court: Conviction

Imprisonment with a suspended sentence. Imprisonment: 12 months (with a suspended sentence)

The decision under review concerns an accusation of electoral corruption under Article 181¹ of the Criminal Code, attributed to the defendant, consisting of offering monetary means to voters in order to influence their voting choice during the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on October 20, 2024. The case was primarily supported by witness statements and the defendant's acknowledgment of guilt, who confirmed the transfer of sums of money to determine the vote.

The trial court found the defendant guilty and imposed a sentence of 1 year of imprisonment, with a suspended sentence for a probation period of 1 year, considering the mitigating circumstances, including sincere remorse and lack of criminal antecedentes. The case reflects practices of electoral corruption at the local level, and the sanction imposed raises questions regarding its deterrent effect.