Moldovan Customs Director denies official involvement in arms trafficking case

Radu Vrabie, Director of the Customs Service, stated that internal investigations into a major arms trafficking case discovered last year at the Leușeni-Albița border have found no evidence of involvement by customs officials.

The case involves a shipment of weapons clandestinely transported from Ukraine through Moldova, destined for Israel. The illegal cargo, discovered in a truck in November 2025, included a Verba portable anti-aircraft missile launcher, eight RPG-30 anti-tank launchers, 18 Kornet guided anti-tank systems, and components of a Geran-2 drone. The weapons were reportedly hidden in specially designed compartments within the vehicle.

Prosecutors from the PCCOCS have sent five individuals to trial, including an alleged organizer, a logistics assistant, a customs broker, an exporter, and a truck driver. While the driver attempting to enter Romania is under separate investigation by Romanian authorities, Vrabie characterized the incident as an isolated case and noted that the legal proceedings are ongoing.