“He Was Plahotniuc’s Godfather”. Sturza Accused Candu of Being Involved in Major Economic Crimes in Moldova

Former Prime Minister Ion Sturza accused Andrian Candu, former Democrat and current leader of the Pro Moldova group, of participating in fraudulent money withdrawal schemes, illegal privatization of state property and a concession for Chisinau Airport. As Sturza told on the air of Jurnal TV, it was Candu, and not the former leader of the Democratic Party, Vladimir Plahotniuc, who is the “criminal genius” and the author of all illegal economic operations in the country. “Plahotniuc did not create Candu, it was Candu who created Plahotniuc. When Mr. Plahotniuc was engaged in “business”, Candu was in charge of it, funnelled money offshore and received 10% for it. He became Plahotniuc’s “godfather” in all economic operations and steered them until recently. His signatures are on many documents, including the papers of companies that are on the Kroll list and which the Prosecutor General’s office is engaged in today,” Sturza said on the air of the program. Also, the former prime minister is sure that Candu is the “brain” of the criminal system of Moldova. “He developed the whole ideology, was dealing with government agencies, controlled the government and the parliament. Plahotniuc was not involved in politics. I am surprised that Candu also did not run away,” Sturza added. Andrian Candu has not yet commented on Sturza's statements.