Electoral corruption, at the heart of INJ trainings: judges, prosecutors and criminal investigation officers strengthen their professional response

The National Institute of Justice conducts, between April 6-10, 2026, with the support of the project "Resilient democracy through the fight against corruption", financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Moldova, a series of trainings on the topic "Particularities of the investigation and examination of cases of electoral corruption and illicit political financing", intended for judges, prosecutors and criminal investigation officers.

The subject of the training is part of the current priorities of the justice system, considering the risks and threats associated with the phenomenon of electoral corruption on democratic processes. In this context, the development of professional skills in the field of investigation and examination of these cases is essential to ensure an efficient and credible act of justice. The knowledge and skills acquired during the seminar are oriented towards immediate practical applicability in the work of judges, prosecutors and criminal investigation officers.

The series of seminars is structured in thematic modules aimed primarily at the standard of evidence and the evaluation of evidence in cases of electoral corruption, including the typology of evidence, the methods of obtaining it, the required degree of credibility and their corroboration, in national and international practice. Also, the particularities of the examination of these cases are analyzed, including aspects related to the preliminary hearing, the typology of requests and approaches, as well as measures to confiscate criminal assets.

A distinct element of these seminars is the organization of mixed groups of participants, which allows for an effective interprofessional dialogue and a substantial exchange of experience and best practices between representatives of different legal professions.

In the opening of the events, Mrs. Ramona Strugariu, INJ director, emphasized that the topic is of particular importance in the current context, marked by multiple challenges and threats to the integrity of the electoral processes in the Republic of Moldova, but also in Europe, highlighting the essential role of judicial professionals in preventing and combating these phenomena.

At the same time, Mrs. Victoria Muntean, UNDP program specialist, reiterated the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between UNDP and the National Institute of Justice, emphasizing its contribution to the development of institutional capacities and the promotion of international standards in the field of justice.