Former Moldovan lawmaker rejects €200,000 scrap metal bribery allegations

A media investigation into Moldova's scrap metal industry has detailed allegations that former Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) lawmaker Alexandr Trubca accepted a €200,000 bribe to advance tax legislation favoring specific waste collectors.

According to a criminal complaint filed with prosecutors by a former associate of entrepreneur Valentin Eșanu, the funds were intended to replace a 12% income tax on individuals delivering scrap metal with a 7% corporate sales tax, alongside value-added tax adjustments.

Trubca rejected the claims as unfounded, stating, "I have never received money from anyone," and announced plans to pursue legal action for defamation. The wider investigation highlighted ongoing market shifts following demonopolisation, including four consecutive years of financial losses at state enterprise Metalferos and persistent regulatory scrutiny surrounding regional metallurgical operations.

Sources: Moldova1, Newsmaker, Point, Ziarul de Gardă