New charges brought against Moldovan ex-President Dodon

CHISINAU. June 27 (Interfax) - The Moldovan authorities on Monday brought new charges against the country's former President Igor Dodon, indicting him on the count of abuse of office in the interests of an organized criminal group, the press service for the Moldovan Prosecutor General's Office told Interfax.

The latest charges filed against Dodon center on his activities in the post of Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Trade Minister in 2008-2009, the press service said. According to it, on the basis of a conclusion signed by Dodon, the state company Energocom signed a contract on electricity deliveries to Moldova on terms that were disadvantageous to the country.

"As a result of the aforementioned actions, massive damage was caused to the state in the amount of $11.9 million. Subsequently, this money was transferred to the accounts of several offshore companies. At the same time, those actions led to a rise in electricity tariffs, thus affecting the rights of end consumers - citizens of Moldova," the press service said.

The ex-president denies any wrongdoing, it said.

Dodon has been under house arrest since May 24. The former president was detained following searches conducted at his residence, offices, his parents' residence and other premises. Dodon was indicted on four counts, such as passive corruption, illegal enrichment, the illegal financing of a political party by a criminal group, and high treason.

Dodon and his party believe the criminal case against him constitutes a political reprisal by incumbent Moldovan President Maia Sandu and pressure on the opposition. While under house arrest, Dodon, who has practically left politics in the past six months, has started actively criticizing the country's current authorities on social networks.