Moldova and Romania propose criminal code amendments

Legislative bodies in Moldova and Romania are proposing significant updates to their respective criminal codes to address evolving crimes.

In Moldova, deputies from the National Alternative Movement (MAN) have introduced a proposal to create a specific legal framework for fraud committed via telephone, online platforms, and electronic communications. The initiative seeks to introduce Article 190¹, titled ‘Appropriation of assets through electronic communications’. This measure aims to penalize not only the direct perpetrators but also the organizers and coordinators of ‘call-center’ criminal networks. Data indicates that in 2025, victims of such scams reported losses totaling approximately 272 million lei, with a 21.7% increase in cases reported during the first five months of 2026 compared to the previous year. Proposed penalties for organized criminal groups could reach 8 to 15 years of imprisonment, while leading such organizations could face 10 to 20 years.

In Romania, Parliament has adopted a project to amend laws regarding child pornography. The proposal shifts the legal focus from the term ‘pornography’ to ‘sexual abuse of a minor’ to better reflect the nature of the crime. The new regulations include stricter penalties for the procurement, possession, and distribution of such materials, with sentences ranging from 2 to 12 years depending on the severity. Notably, the project extends definitions to include sexual depictions of minors generated by artificial intelligence and distinguishes between criminal exploitation and certain private situations involving adolescents.