Former Moldovan MP faces bribery allegations over scrap metal legislation

An investigation into Moldova's scrap metal industry has highlighted allegations that former ruling party lawmaker Alexandr Trubca accepted a €200,000 bribe to promote favorable tax legislation. A criminal complaint filed by a former business partner of entrepreneur Valentin Eșanu claims the payments were intended to alter value-added and income tax regulations for metal waste collectors.

Trubca, formerly representing the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting, "I have never received money from anyone," and indicated plans to pursue defamation claims.

The report also outlined wider challenges across the sector following market demonopolisation, including four consecutive years of financial losses at state-owned firm Metalferos and regulatory scrutiny regarding environmental permits for the Rîbnița metallurgical plant.

Sources: Newsmaker, Point, Ziarul de Gardă