The “Car Vertical” case in the Republic of Moldova: 5 more defendants have been sent to trial / They are accused of illegally distributing intimate images and videos on Telegram

Five people, aged between 19 and 33, have been sent to trial in the “Car Vertical” case in the Republic of Moldova for illegally distributing intimate images on Telegram and blackmailing victims. The Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) announced on Thursday, October 8, that the defendants include three students from Bălți and a medical assistant.

Investigators allege that the group distributed more than 30,000 photographs and nearly 6,000 intimate, erotic, or sexual videos, in some cases without the victims’ consent. The materials were allegedly obtained from former partners, friends, female colleagues, or other people who had access to phones and computers.

The victims, including schoolgirls, fashion models, media employees, and public administration employees, were contacted after the images were published and asked to pay money for their deletion. According to PCCOCS, the sums reached up to 1,500 euros. Some victims reported public humiliation, family conflicts, dropping out of their studies, or leaving the country.

The channel’s co-administrator is accused of violating privacy, child pornography, blackmail, and money laundering. He allegedly obtained approximately 19,000 euros. The main administrator is wanted internationally. So far, eight people have been sent to trial, while the victims are seeking moral damages of up to 200,000 lei.