Lawyer Moldova

No. 241-XVI of 20 October 2005
CHAPTER I General Provisions

Article 1. Scope of the Law
The present Law regulates legal relationships concerning:
a)    preventing and combating trafficking in human beings;
b)    assistance framework for preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, for protection, and for granting assistance to victims of such trafficking;
c)    cooperation of public administration authorities with non-governmental organizations and other representatives of civil society in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings;
d)    cooperation with other states and international and regional organizations competent in the field.

Article 2. Main Terms
in the present law, the following main terms will be used:
1)    trafficking in human beings - recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a person, by means of threat of force or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, fraud, deception, of abuse of authority or a situation of vulnerability, or by means of offering or receiving payments or benefits of any kind in order to obtain the consent of a person who has control over another person for the purpose of exploitation of the latter;
2)    trafficking in children - recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation, even if these actions were not accomplished through any of the means provided in sub-paragraph 1);
3)    exploitation of a person - abuse of a person in order to obtain profit, namely:
a)    compelling to perform work or services, by use of force, threats or other forms of coercion, in violation of the legal provisions connected to labour conditions, remuneration, health and security;
b)    slavery, use of certain practices similar to slavery, or resorting to other ways of deprivation of liberty;
c)    compelling to engage in prostitution, to participate in pornographic performances, with a view to the production, distribution and any introduction into circulation of such performances, the acquisition, sale or possession of pornographic material, or practicing other forms of sexual exploitation;
d)    compelling harvesting of organs or tissues for transplantation or collection of other component parts of the human body;
e)    using a woman as a surrogate mother or for reproductive purposes;
f)    abuse of child's rights with a view to illegal adoption;
g)    use in armed conflicts or in illegal military formations;
h)    use in criminal activities;
i)    compelling to engage in begging;
j) sale to another person;
k) compelling to engage in other activities that violate fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The consent of a victim of trafficking in human beings to the intentional exploitation, stipulated in sub-paragraph 3), is irrelevant when any of the means of coercion specified in sub-paragraph 1) are employed;
4)    child - any person under 18 years of age;
5)    document - passport or identity card or any kind of travel documents of the person subject to exploitation;
6)    seizure of documents - depriving by any means the person subject to exploitation of the documents mentioned in sub-paragraph 5);
7)    debt bondage - the state of a person deprived of freedom, including the freedom of movement or holding hostage until he/she or a third party reimburses a legally or illegally established debt;
8)    slavery - state or condition of a person over whom one or all entitlements flowing from a right of ownership are exercised;
9)    slavery-like practices - state of a person who is kept or forced in a situation in which another person exercises mastery over him/her or forces him/her through deception or threats of violence, violence or other means of coercion to offer certain services, including to enter into or to remain as a concubine or in a marital relationship;
10)    state of vulnerability - special state in which a person is found such that he/she is
inclined to be abused or exploited, especially due to:
a)    his/her precarious situation from the standpoint of social survival;
b)    situation conditioned upon age, pregnancy, illness, infirmity, physical or mental deficiency;
c)    his/her precarious situation due to illegal entry or stay in a country of transit or destination;
11)    victim of trafficking in human beings - a natural person presumed or found to be subjected to acts of trafficking as provided for in sub-paragraphs 1) and 2).
12)    trafficker in human beings - a person who participates in the organizing and carrying out of activities of trafficking in human beings;
13)    identification of victims of trafficking in human beings - the process of verification of persons presumed to be victims of trafficking in human beings.

Article 3. Legal Framework
The legal framework for the activity of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and for protection of victims of trafficking is constituted by the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the international treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is a party, the present law, and other normative acts that regulate relationships in this field.

Article 4. Basic Principles of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
Combating trafficking in human beings shall be carried out on the basis of the following principles:
a)    observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
b)    acknowledgment of trafficking in human beings as a crime affecting the fundamental
human rights, dignity, liberty and integrity of human beings;
c)    inevitability of punishment for traffickers in human beings;
d)    legality;
e)    free access to justice;
f)    ensuring security and a fair attitude towards victims of trafficking in human beings;
g)    holistic use of preventive measures: legal, political, socio-economic and informational;
h)    social partnership, collaboration of public administration authorities with international
organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other representatives of civil society;
i)    proportionality between the observance of fundamental rights of victims of trafficking
in human beings and the conditions of criminal prosecution, in a manner that is not harmful to
the rights of the defendant;
j) equal treatment of all forms and types of national and transnational trafficking in human beings, whether or not related to organized crime, etc.,;
k) collaboration of competent public administration authorities and organizations of other states with international organizations in order to achieve the objectives of combating trafficking in human beings.

Article 5.      Non-Discrimination
implementation of the provisions of the present Law, especially measures for the protection of the rights of victims of trafficking in human beings, shall be ensured without discrimination on any criteria, such as: sex, race, language, religion, political or other opinion, social or national origin, citizenship, association with an ethnic minority, etc.,.

CHAPTER II Institutional Framework. Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Article 6.      Authorities Competent to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    in order to increase the efficiency of activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, especially in women and children, public administration authorities listed in the present chapter, non-governmental organizations and other representatives of civil society shall engage, separately or in combination, in such activity.
(2)    While performing activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, public administration authorities listed in the present chapter shall collaborate among themselves through exchange of information, sharing experts, carrying out joint activities of victim examination and identification, personnel training, conducting socio-economic initiatives, as well as through other activities in the field.
(3)    Non-governmental organizations and international organizations with activities in the field and represented in the Republic of Moldova shall be provided free rein when contributing to shaping the institutional framework and to activity to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings.

Article 7.      National Plan for Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    For the purpose of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, as well as for
the protection of victims of such trafficking, the Government shall approve the National Plan for
Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (hereinafter referred to as the National
Plan).
(2)    The National Plan shall be approved periodically for a two-year term. It shall regulate the implementation of holistic measures and the realization of socio-economic initiatives aimed at preventing and combating trafficking in human beings as well as at protecting victims of such trafficking, including collaboration with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, other institutions and representatives of civil society.
(3)    Central and local public administration authorities empowered in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings shall adopt their own action plans for realization of the National Plan in their fields of activity.

Article 8.       National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    Coordination of activity to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and
cooperation of public administration authorities with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, other institutions and representatives of civil society [in such activities], shall be carried out by the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (hereinafter referred to as the National Committee).
(2)    The National Committee is a consultative body of the Government.
(3)    The nominal composition of the National Committee and its Regulation shall be
approved by the Government. The procedure for appointment and revocation of the members of the
National Committee shall be regulated by the Regulation of the National Committee.
(4)    The National Committee shall have the following powers:
a) to submit to the Government proposals on the fundamental elements of state policy in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and recommendations aimed at improving the activity of detection and elimination of the causes and conditions facilitating the appearance of trafficking in human beings and activities of trafficking in human beings;
b)    to regulate implementation of the National Plan and observance of legislation on
preventing and combating trafficking in human beings by state institutions and organizations, and to
report to the Government on the means of implementation of the National Plan;
c)    to collect and analyse information about the scope, conditions and trends of trafficking in human beings at the national level;
d)    to submit proposals for legislative improvements in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protection of victims of such trafficking;
e)    to organize public awareness raising campaigns on issues of trafficking in human beings and social dangers of this phenomenon;
f)    to coordinate the activity of territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings and specialized institutions with respect to realization of the National Plan and performance of actions to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings;
g)    periodically to assess and monitor the process of realization of the National Plan and to inform the Government and civil society about the results obtained.
(5)    The National Committee is comprised by representatives of public administration authorities, including law enforcement bodies, and organizations carrying out activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings.
(6)    Representatives of non-governmental organizations and international organizations that have their representation offices in the Republic of Moldova and are involved in activities to combat trafficking in human beings and grant assistance to victims of such trafficking, may attend the meetings of the National Committee, with the right to a consultative vote, and they shall be included in the composition of the National Committee and the territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings.
(7)    Organizational matters of the National Committee are ensured by a secretary, appointed by its Chairman.
(8)    The National Committee shall submit to the Government periodically, but not less frequently than once per year, by February1st, as well as upon request, a report on its activity. At any other time central public administration authorities may request information from the National Committee on the state of observance of legislation on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings.

Article 9.       Territorial Commissions for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    For the purpose of coordination of activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings in districts, municipalities, and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings shall be created within the executive bodies of the respective representative authorities. In the Chisinau Municipality, such commissions shall also be created within sectors.
(2)    The territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings shall have the following functions:

a)    to organize and coordinate activity to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, protection and assistance to victims of such trafficking, and collaboration between local public administration authorities, law enforcement authorities, non-governmental organizations, institutions and other representatives of civil society working in this field;
b)    to implement the measures set out in the National Plan at the local level;
c)    periodically to assess and monitor on-site activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings carried out by state bodies and to inform and submit proposals regarding improvement of the effectiveness of these activities to the respective representative authorities and the National Committee;
d)    to grant assistance in drafting research programs and assessments and collecting statistical data regarding trafficking in human beings;
e)    to implement training programmes regarding preventing and combating trafficking in human beings for vulnerable persons and civil servants involved in such activities.
(3)    The Regulation of the territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings shall be approved, respectively, by district councils, municipal councils, and the General Assembly of the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia on the basis of the Framework Regulation approved by Government decision.
(4)    The territorial commission shall submit to the respective representative authority and the National Committee a periodic activity report not less frequently than once per year, by the 15th of January.

Article 10.     Functions  of Public Administration Authorities  in the Field  of Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
(1) In conformity with their functions:
1)    The Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Intelligence and Security Service, and National Migration Bureau shall develop a list of states that pose an increased risk of trafficking in human beings and shall bring such list to the attention of interested bodies;
2)    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Intelligence and Security Service, Ministry of Interior, Frontier Guard Service, and National Migration Bureau shall take necessary actions to forbid [presence] on the territory of the Republic of Moldova by foreign citizens and stateless persons, where there is accurate information that they are traffickers in human beings;
3)    The Frontier Guard Service shall undertake measures to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings through prevention, detection, and deterrence of attempted border crossings of the state border by traffickers in human beings, as well as illegal border crossings of the state border by victims of trafficking in human beings;
4)    The Ministry of Health and Social Protection:
a)    shall, with the assistance of the National Employment Agency, implement information activities on topics related to the situation in the labour market, vocational training programmes, or incentives for employment, by offering labour mediation services, professional information and counselling, vocational orientation and training, as well as consultations and assistance in starting a business activity;
b)    shall, through social assistance bodies, ensure to victims of trafficking in human beings information and counselling and extend to them the facilities provided by law for socially marginalised persons;
c)    shall develop medical assistance programs, including psychiatric assistance, and
designate the medical institutions that will offer such assistance to victims of trafficking in human
beings;
5)    The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports shall, in cooperation with other interested
ministries, local public administration authorities, and non-governmental organizations working in
this field, develop educational and training programmes for teachers, parents, children, and at-
risk groups aimed at eliminating all the causes and conditions that encourage trafficking in
human beings, especially in women and children;
6)    The National Migration Bureau shall issue, as provided by law, immigrant certificates valid for a certain period to foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings;
7)    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration shall contribute to preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, especially through organizing and participating in negotiations in order to conclude international treaties with other states and international organizations in the field of trafficking in human beings, as well as through granting assistance and protection to trafficked persons abroad, within the limits of international legal provisions;
8)    The Ministry of Information Development shall ensure the identification of victims of trafficking in human beings and shall issue residence permits or, as the case may be, identity cards to victims of trafficking in human beings who are foreign citizens or stateless persons, where their stay [in Moldova] is necessary due to their personal circumstances or due to their participation in criminal proceedings against the trafficker, under the conditions stipulated in paragraph (6) of Article 24;
9)    The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, together with other interested ministries and
departments, shall develop and implement socio-economic programmes aimed at the removal of the
economic causes and conditions encouraging illegal migration, including trafficking in human
beings;
10)    The Ministry of Justice shall submit every 6 months the list of non-governmental organizations engaged in activities to prevent and combat the trafficking phenomenon and to assist and protect victims of trafficking. The Ministry of Justice, jointly with other central public administration authorities specified in this Article, shall prepare draft normative acts to regulate relations in the sphere of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, as well as granting protection and assistance to victims;
11)    The centres for assistance and protection of victims of trafficking in human beings shall issue provisional identity documents for the period of accommodation, with the possibility of extension as provided in Article 17.
(2)    The central public administration authorities competent in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, the local public administration authorities, and the territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings shall systematically organize informational awareness-raising campaigns for the population and shall develop and distribute publicity materials on the risks that potential victims of trafficking in human beings can be exposed to, in active collaboration with mass-media.
(3)    The public administration authorities mentioned in the present Article shall periodically inform the National Committee about the actions undertaken to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, by presenting proposals to increase the efficacy of these activities.

Article 11.     Functions of Law Enforcement Bodies in the Field of Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The Ministry of Interior and its central and territorial subdivisions shall:
a)    carry out activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings through prevention, detection, and deterrence of crimes related to trafficking in human beings in accordance with effective legislation by conducting criminal prosecution in criminal cases of trafficking and other related actions;
b)    ensure, upon request, the physical protection of victims of trafficking in human beings throughout criminal proceedings and grant other assistance and protection according to this Law and other normative acts in this field.
(2)    The Ministry of Interior, through its organizations specialized in preventing and
combating trafficking in human beings, shall carry out operative investigative activities, criminal
prosecution, international cooperation for the identification and protection of victims of trafficking in human beings, analysis and intelligence and shall facilitate the creation of regional centres for preventing and combating trafficking in human beings.
(3)    The Ministry of Interior, supported by other ministries and departments, shall develop, administer and maintain an updated database regarding the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings, whilst respecting the confidentiality of the personal data of victims of trafficking in accordance with Article 21 o f the present Law.
(4)    The Ministry of Interior, jointly with the General Prosecutor's Office, shall carry out studies aimed at detecting and eliminating the causes and conditions encouraging trafficking in human beings and shall publish each semester in the mass media the statistical information and analytical reports on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims.
(5)    The General Prosecutor's Office, within the scope of its competence, shall carry out activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings in compliance with effective legislation, shall coordinate, conduct, and perform criminal prosecution in cases related to such trafficking, shall represent the state prosecution in courts, shall supervise the observance of human rights, including of victims of trafficking, and shall take other necessary measures in this field. Within the General Prosecutor's Office, a specialized subdivision for preventing and combating trafficking in human beings shall be established.
(6)    The Intelligence and Security Service and its territorial bodies shall carry out activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings through detection of connections of international organizations and organized criminal groups with traffickers in human beings, as well as through other activities carried out within its terms of reference.
(7)    A coordinating council of law enforcement bodies with functions in the field of combating of trafficking in human beings shall be created by the General Prosecutor.
(8)    The law enforcement bodies shall submit annually, not later than the 10th of January, to the coordinating council of the General Prosecutor, reports on the observance within the country of legislation on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings; also the General Prosecutor shall submit these respective reports to the National Committee by the 20th of January.

Article 12.     Activity of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Field of Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    In order to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, to provide protection and assistance to victims, and to coordinate current activities, international organizations represented in the Republic of Moldova and non-governmental organizations active in this field may cooperate with public administration authorities and competent bodies, in compliance with their statutes and regulations, and may organize information campaigns on trafficking in human beings and the risks to which victims of such trafficking are exposed.
(2)    Non-governmental organizations may establish centres for the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking in human beings.
(3)    Non-governmental organizations shall carry out activities of identification of victims of trafficking in human beings, grant legal and other kinds of protection and assistance to victims, and take other measures and actions to prevent and combat such trafficking in accordance with their statute.

Article 13.     Special Provisions in the Field of International Transportation
The respective agencies and structures in the field of international transportation are obliged to verify whether all passengers possess the documents necessary to enter the country of destination.
Article 14.    Vocational Training and Education of Personnel
(1)    The state shall guarantee vocational training and education of employees in law enforcement authorities, migration bodies, and other authorities in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings.
(2)    Such vocational training and education of personnel shall be based on the methods of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, the most advanced techniques for conducting criminal investigation in cases of trafficking in human beings, including trafficking in children, the observance of the rights and interests of victims of trafficking and on the most advanced forms of their protection.
(3)    The vocational training and education of personnel shall comprise methods and forms of collaboration of public administration authorities with representations of international and regional organizations in the Republic of Moldova, non-governmental organizations, other institutions and representatives of civil society, as well as methods and forms of cooperation and collaboration of public administration authorities, organizations and institutions of the Republic of Moldova with interested authorities, organizations and institutions of other states and with international and regional organizations.

CHAPTER III Protection and Assistance of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings

Article 15.     Identification of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
identification of victims of trafficking in human beings shall be carried out by the competent public authorities with the support of non-governmental organizations or by non¬governmental organizations that have reasonable grounds to believe that a person is a victim of such trafficking.

Article 16.     Social Rehabilitation of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
social rehabilitation of victims of trafficking in human beings shall be carried out in order to reintegrate them back into a normal way of life and shall include the provision of legal and material assistance, psychological, medical and professional rehabilitation, employment, and a dwelling space.

Article 17.    Centres for Protection and Assistance of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The centres for protection and assistance of victims of trafficking in human beings (hereinafter referred to as centres) shall be specialized institutions providing civilized conditions of accommodation and personal hygiene, nutrition, emergency legal, social, psychological and medical care, security and protection, as well as assistance with contacting relatives.
(2)    The centres may be established by:
a)    the Government, on the proposal of the National Committee;
b)    local public administration authorities, on the proposal of the territorial commission mentioned in Article 9;
c)    international and non-governmental organizations, with notification to the National Committee;
d)    public administration authorities and non-governmental or private organizations, on the basis of an agreement on joint activities.
(3)    The centres shall provide accommodation to victims of trafficking in human beings upon their personal request for a period of up to thirty days.
(4)    The duration of accommodation specified in paragraph (3) may be prolonged:
a)    upon the recommendation of the physician during the period of treatment, but not longer than 6 months;
b)    upon the request of the criminal prosecution bodies or courts during the period of criminal proceedings, and when the life and health of the victim are threatened by real danger, the duration of accommodation may be prolonged even after the termination of criminal proceedings for a period deemed necessary for the protection of the victim, based upon the prosecutor's request;
c)    upon the request of the victim of trafficking in human beings, with an indication of the reasoned justification, for a maximum period of 30 days.
(5)    Pregnant women, who are victims of trafficking in human beings, shall be entitled to accommodation in the centre for a period of up to one year.
(6)    The regulation of organization and operation of the centres shall be approved by the founders, based upon the Framework Regulation approved by Government decision.
(7)    The costs related to the centres' activity shall be covered from the founders' joint budgets.
(8)    The organization and operation of the centres may be supported materially and financially by economic agents and entrepreneurs, according to the Law of Philanthropy and sponsorship;
(9)    In order to ensure the security of the premises where victims of trafficking in human beings are accommodated, the centres may seek free of charge assistance from the police.

Article 18.     Professional Integration of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    Professional integration of victims of trafficking in human beings shall be carried out with the support of employment agencies under the terms of the legislation in force.
(2)    Employment agencies shall offer victims of trafficking in human beings priority free of charge services in the field of labour mediation, information and professional counselling, professional orientation and vocational training, as well as consultancy and assistance in starting up a business.
(3)    Victims of trafficking in human beings are entitled to undergo a vocational training course financed from the unemployment fund.
(4)    Beneficiaries of the services provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be victims over the age of 16 years.

Article 19.     Repatriation of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The Republic of Moldova shall contribute without undue delay to the repatriation and reception of victims of trafficking in human beings, who are its citizens, or stateless persons, who were entitled to permanent residence in the territory of the Republic of Moldova upon entry into the territory of another state, taking into account the need to ensure their security.
(2)    Upon request of a country of destination, the competent authorities of the Republic of Moldova shall verify, without undue delay, whether a victim of trafficking in human beings is a citizen of the Republic of Moldova or whether he/she was entitled to permanent residence in its territory upon entry into the country of destination, and shall so inform the soliciting state and simultaneously undertake measures for the victim's repatriation.
(3)    For the purpose of facilitating repatriation of a victim of trafficking in human beings who is a citizen of the Republic of Moldova or who was entitled to permanent residence in the Republic of Moldova upon entry into the country of destination and who does not possess the necessary documents, the competent authorities of the Republic of Moldova, upon request of the country of destination, shall issue travel documents or any other authorization needed for the repatriation.
(4)    The provisions of this Article shall apply without prejudice to any right granted to the victim of trafficking in human beings by any law of the country of destination.
(5)    The regulation on the procedure of repatriation of victims of trafficking in human beings who are citizens of the Republic of Moldova or who were entitled to permanent residence in the Republic of Moldova upon entry into the country of destination, shall be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, together with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Information Development.

Article 20.     Protection and Assistance of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    Victims of trafficking in human beings shall be offered assistance in physical, psychological, and social recovery through specialized medical, psychological, legal, and social measures.
(2)    A person who is presumed to be a victim of trafficking in human beings shall be deemed a vulnerable person and shall benefit from the minimum package of social and medical assistance provided by the institutions of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. Persons who are recognized as victims of trafficking must be provided free assistance in the medical institutions defined by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
(3)    The state, through its competent bodies and organizations, shall take prompt adequate measures for the identification and referral of victims of trafficking in human beings to protection and assistance services, offering them a reflection period of 30 days. During this period of time, the implementation of any expulsion order issued against this person shall be prohibited.
(4)    Providing protection and assistance services shall not be conditioned upon the willingness of victims to make statements and to participate in the prosecution of traffickers.
(5)    The competent public administration authorities shall inform victims of trafficking in human beings of their rights and about the authorities, institutions, and organizations that are competent in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting and assisting victims of trafficking.
(6)    Victims of trafficking in human beings shall be provided protection and assistance by the public administration authorities, the National Committee, and the territorial commissions for combating trafficking in human beings, within the scope of their competencies and in accordance with this Law and other normative acts.
(7)    Non-governmental organizations active in the field are entitled to grant protection and assistance to victims of trafficking in human beings, including the protection of their interests in a criminal or civil suit.
(8)    Each time when a competent authority or an international or non-governmental organization active in the field has reasonable grounds to believe that a person is a victim of trafficking in human beings, such person shall be offered all the protection and assistance measures provided for in the present Law.

Article 21.     Confidentiality of Private Life of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The private life and identity of a victim of trafficking in human beings shall be protected. The registration, maintenance, and use of personal information regarding a victim of trafficking shall be done by taking into account the special rules of confidentiality, with the aim of administration of justice and protection of victims only during criminal proceedings.
(2)    Disclosure of information on the private life and identity of victims of trafficking in human beings and the conditions of these persons' trafficking is prohibited.
(3)    It shall be prohibited to disclose information about state protection measures for victims of trafficking in human beings, about the persons who provide such protection, as well as about the persons who provide assistance in combating trafficking in human beings.
(4)    Observance of the confidentiality of the information provided in paragraphs (1) to (3) shall be the duty of all persons, including those involved in activities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and to protect and assist victims, law enforcement bodies, courts, centres provided for in Article 17, as well as social workers.
(5)    In case the life and health of a victim of trafficking in human beings are threatened by real danger, then she is offered, upon her request, based upon a court ruling, at the request of the prosecutor, of the criminal investigation body, the possibility to change his/her name, surname, date and place of birth, under the terms of the Law on Civil status Acts and the Law on state Protection of an Injured Party, Witnesses and Other Persons Providing Assistance in Criminal Proceedings.
(6)    The disclosure of information about safety measures and confidential data regarding victims of trafficking in human beings, as well as disclosure of information about criminal prosecution and measures provided to ensure the safety of the participants at criminal proceedings, shall be punished in compliance with legislation on criminal and administrative offences.

Article 22. Duties of Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices of the Republic of Moldova for Providing Assistance and Protection to Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Moldova shall have
the following duties:
a)    to carry out activities to protect the rights and interests of citizens of the Republic of Moldova who have become victims of trafficking in human beings in the country of residence or, in countries where they have accredited missions, to contribute to their repatriation in compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and the legislation of the country of residence;
b)    in case of loss or impossibility of recovery of identity documents from the traffickers in human beings, to issue free of charge and in a prompt manner, jointly with the subdivisions of the Ministry of Information Development, documents or any other acts needed for repatriation in the Republic of Moldova by citizens of the Republic of Moldova who have become victims of trafficking in human beings;
c)    to distribute to those interested informative materials regarding the rights of victims of trafficking in human beings, according to the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and the legislation of the state of residence;
d)    to provide to public administration authorities and judicial bodies of the state of residence or in countries where they have accredited missions information regarding the legislation of the Republic of Moldova in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, regarding the rights of victims and their protection and assistance, including addresses for the Centres for the Protection and Assistance of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings.
(2)    The chiefs of diplomatic missions and consular offices shall appoint a diplomat from who are victims of trafficking in human beings, for their protection and assistance during their stay in the country of transit or destination, as well as for cooperation in this field with the authorities and bodies from the Republic of Moldova.
Article 23.     State Guarantees Granted to Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    Courts and criminal prosecution bodies shall grant to victims of trafficking in human beings measures to safeguard their physical safety and rights, as regulated by the Criminal Procedure Code and the Law on State Protection of an Injured Party, Witnesses and Other Persons Providing Assistance in Criminal Proceedings.
(2)    Victims of trafficking in human beings are entitled to compensation for damages, as provided by the law.

Article 24.    Protection and Assistance to Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons who are Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The Republic of Moldova shall grant assistance to foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings upon their voluntary repatriation to their country of origin on an emergency basis and shall ensure their transportation in completely safe conditions to the state border of the Republic of Moldova, unless otherwise provided in international treaties. The victim of trafficking in human beings may not be repatriated or expelled to his/her country of origin or to a third state if, upon estimating the risk and safety, reasons are found to presume that his/her personal safety or the safety of his/her family will be endangered.
(2)    In order to guarantee protection and assistance to foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings, they may de referred to the centres provided for in Article 17.
(3)    Foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings, as specified in paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be informed in a language they can understand of the judicial and administrative procedures enforced in the Republic of Moldova and in the countries of residence.
(4)    Foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings mentioned in paragraph (1) are entitled to a reflection period of 30 days, to psychiatric and psychological counselling, and to medical and social assistance. These persons may also enjoy free of charge legal assistance for the exercise of their rights at all stages of the criminal proceedings and to pursue their civil claims and lawsuits against the persons who perpetrated the crimes connected to trafficking in human beings, as provided by the Criminal Code. in this period of time, the implementation of any expulsion order issued against these persons is forbidden.
(5)    If foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings have no identification documents due to their loss, theft, or destruction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European integration shall grant, upon the request of the foreign state, assistance in receiving such documents or permits necessary for return to their country of residence.
(6)    When foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in human beings, due to their status as a victim, are placed in the centres provided for in Article 17 or when they participate in criminal proceedings against the trafficker, irrespective of their placement in these centres, they shall benefit from temporary residence permits, which may be prolonged, as the case may be.

CHAPTER IV Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Children. Assistance and Protection of Child Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings

Article 25.     Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Children
(1)    Preventing and combating trafficking in children and assisting and protecting child victims of trafficking in human beings constitute a political, social, and economic concern of primary importance in the Republic of Moldova.
(2)    The activity of public administration authorities, bodies, and organizations with duties in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings shall focus on the best interests of the child.
(3)    Public administration authorities, social agencies for healthcare and education, as well as non-governmental organizations, other institutions, and representatives of civil society shall, without delay, contact law enforcement bodies when it is known or suspected that a child has been exploited or trafficked or has been exposed to the risk of being exploited or trafficked.

Article 26.     Special Principles for Combating Trafficking in Children
Besides the basic principles enshrined in Article 4, the following special principles shall be taken into account in the activity of preventing and combating trafficking in children and protecting and assisting child victims of such trafficking:
a)    strict observance of the rights of the child provided in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Law on the Rights of the Child of the Republic of Moldova;
b)    undertaking special protection and assistance measures to a child victim of trafficking in human beings;
c)    respecting the opinion of a child victim of trafficking in human beings over 10 years old regarding all actions affecting him/her, taking into account the age, degree of maturity, and his/her best interests;
d)    informing the child victim of trafficking in human beings about his/her situation and rights, protection and assistance measures, available services, repatriation procedure, and family reunification process;
e)    ensuring that both the identity, as well as any details that may allow for the identification of the child victim of trafficking in human beings, are not made public in any case.

Article 27.     Presumption of Age
When the age of the victim of trafficking in human beings is not known but there are reasons to believe that the victim has not yet reached 18 years old, it shall be presumed that the victim is a child, and, until final verification of age, the victim shall be treated as a child, by granting him/her all special protection measures provided for in the present Law and other normative acts.

Article 28.     Repatriation of a Child Victim of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    A child victim of trafficking in human beings shall be repatriated to his/her country of origin provided, prior to his/her return, a parent, relative, or legal guardian has given consent to receiving the child into his/her care, or a governmental agency or child protection agency from the country of origin has given consent and is able to undertake responsibility for the child and to grant him/her adequate assistance and protection.
(2)    Taking a statement regarding a situation of trafficking from children by the criminal prosecution body or the court shall not prevent or delay the family reunification or return of the child victim to his/her country of origin, provided this is in the best interests of the child.
(3)    When it is not possible to return a child to his/her country of origin or to integrate him/her into the country of destination, or when these solutions are not in the best interests of the child, the authorities of both countries shall secure the relocation of the child victim to a third country, with the approval of the latter.
(4)    The opinion of the child victim of trafficking in human beings over the age of 10 years shall be taken into consideration when deciding on his/her repatriation or relocation to a third country.
(5)    The child victim of trafficking in human beings cannot be returned to his/her country of origin or transferred to a third country, if, following the evaluation of the risks and security, there are reasons to believe that the security of the child or his/her family is in danger.
(6)    Children victims of trafficking in human beings who are foreign citizens or stateless persons are entitled to a temporary visa that ensures their right to legal residence in the territory of the Republic of Moldova until finding a sustainable solution regarding their return to the country of origin.

Article 29.    Granting Assistance and Protection to Child Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    The state shall secure the protection and assistance of children victims of trafficking in human beings from the moment when grounds arise to believe that the child is a victim of trafficking until the child's identification, integration, and his/her complete recovery, irrespectively of their cooperation with the authorities, as provided by Article 20, paragraph (4).
(2)    After identification as a victim of trafficking in human beings, the child shall be urgently referred to the competent services for child protection, assistance, and rehabilitation.
(3)    The National Committee, public administration authorities including law enforcement bodies, territorial commissions for the combating of trafficking in human beings, centres, non-governmental organizations, and other competent organizations shall be obliged to inform the tutorship and guardianship bodies immediately if they have any information about a child victim of trafficking in human beings in order to secure the protection of the child's rights.
(4)    Where the child victim of trafficking in human beings is deprived of parental care, the tutorship and guardianship bodies shall appoint, as provided by law, a legal guardian, who will ensure that all decisions are taken in the interests of the child, who will make statements on behalf of the child, and who shall participate with the child in all criminal procedure and judicial actions, until a solution is reached in accordance with the best interests of the child.
(5)    A child identified as victim of trafficking in human beings shall be granted a reflection period of 30 days in order for him/her to decide personally, through his legal representative or guardian, if he/she will testifies against the trafficker.
(6)    In case of accommodating children victims of trafficking in human beings in centres, they must be accommodated separately from adults.
(7)    Children victims of trafficking in human beings shall be entitled to accommodation within the centre for a period of up to 6 months or for the duration of the legal proceedings.
(8)    All the agencies and institutions whose activity is related to children victims of trafficking in human beings shall establish special practices and programmes for their identification, referral, protection and assistance, while at the same time observing the confidentiality of the information regarding the personal data and the victim status of the child.
(9)    Children victims of trafficking in human beings shall be ensured the right to attend state educational institutions under the terms of the Law on Education.
(10)    When children victims of trafficking in human beings are left without parental care
or do not know their parents' whereabouts, they shall be ensured the possibility of an emergency
search for their family or of instituting tutorship or guardianship, as provided by law.
(11) Children who have suffered from trafficking in human beings are entitled to long-term care and protection until complete recovery. Children deprived of a family environment are entitled to alternative family-type or community-type care.

CHAPTER V Liability for Trafficking in Human Beings

Article 30.     Liability for Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    Persons participating in the organization and commission of trafficking in human beings activities shall be brought to criminal liability as provided for by the Criminal Code.
(2)    Crimes of trafficking in human beings have both a national and transnational character. In the latter case, the forms and techniques of investigation and criminal prosecution provided for such crimes by international and national legislation shall be applied.
(3)    If any of the methods specified in sub-paragraph 1) of Article 2 have been used, the consent of the victim of trafficking in human beings to the intentional exploitation shall be irrelevant to bring the traffickers to criminal liability,
(4)    Foreign citizens or stateless persons involved in trafficking of human beings shall be refused entrance to the territory of the Republic of Moldova or their entry visas shall be revoked.

Article 31.     Liability of Legal Entity for Trafficking in Human Beings
(1)    If activities of trafficking in human beings are performed through a legal entity that has a license to conduct business activities, and it is established that these business activities served as a disguise for the commission of the above-mentioned illegal actions, then the license shall be withdrawn and the legal entity shall be liquidated based upon a court judgement.
(2)    The legal entity bears civil liability to the victims of trafficking for the damage inflicted upon them as a result of the actions mentioned in paragraph (1).
(3)    Bringing a legal entity to justice shall not exclude personal liability of the natural persons who committed the crime of trafficking in human beings.

Article 32.     Exemption for Victim of Trafficking in Human Beings for Liability for Crimes Committed in Relation to Such Status
A victim of trafficking in human beings shall be exempt from criminal, administrative, and civil liability for actions committed by him/her in relation to his/her status as a victim, if these actions fall under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Code, Code of Administrative Contraventions, or Civil Code.

CHAPTER VI International Cooperation

Article 33.     International Cooperation
international cooperation in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and granting protection and assistance to victims of such trafficking, including their repatriation, shall be performed on the basis of international treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is a party.

Article 34.     Liaison Officers
(1) The present Law establishes liaison officers within the Ministry of Interior, as well as liaison prosecutors within the Prosecutor's General Office, who shall ensure mutual consultations with liaison officers or, respectively, liaison prosecutors operating in other countries, in order to coordinate joint activities during the detection, discovery, and criminal prosecution of cases of trafficking in human beings, as well as during protection and assistance of victims of trafficking in the course of criminal prosecution.
(2) With respect to data exchange about investigation and criminal prosecution of crimes stipulated in this Law, liaison officers and liaison prosecutors shall be the contact persons of the respective bodies for their counterpart organizations and institutions abroad.

CHAPTER VII Final and Transitory Provisions

Article 35
(1)    The Government, within the period of three months, shall:
submit proposals to the parliament regarding harmonizing current legislation with the provisions of this Law;
adopt normative acts for implementation of this Law; bring its normative acts in accordance with the present Law;
ensure the revision and abrogation by ministries and other authorities of their normative acts that contradict the present Law.
(2)    Upon the proposal of authorities responsible for implementing this Law, the budget
law shall annually provide necessary funds.

SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT                                  Marian LUPU
Chisinau, October 20, 2005. No. 241-XVI.

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of the law
The scope of this law is to protect the interests of household depositors and information on deposits, to prevent excessive risk to the financial system, to promote a strong and competitive financial sector and to facilitate the market forces to operate in the provision of financial services.

Article 2. Institutions covered by present law
(1)    This law shall apply to financial institutions except for who, by virtue of the nature or size of their business or the origin of their resources, shall be exempt from the operation of this Law in whole or in part by the National Bank.
(2)    The National Bank has the right to make financial institutions other than banks, additionally subject to provisions of this Law, that refer to bank activities.

Article 3. Main definitions
The following definitions are used in this law:
administrator - means a member of the Board of Directors, of the executive body, of the Audit Committee, the chief accountant, manager of a branch of the legal entity, as well as any other person who alone or together with other has the legal or statutory has the legal or statutory authority to enter into commitments for the account of such entity;
affiliate of the legal entity means a person: a) that holds control over the legal entity; b) that is under control by the legal person; c) that is under common control with the legal entity, by another legal entity; d) that is a member of the Board of Directors, of the executive body and of the Audit Committee of the legal person; e) that according to the civil legislation is related to the individual-member of the Board of Directors, of the executive body, of the Audit Committee of the legal entity- by marriage or consanguinity of first and second degrees; f) which affiliation is determined by the National Bank of Moldova in normative acts that are to comply with generally accepted principles on efficient banking supervision;
bank - means a financial institution, accepting deposits or their equivalents of individuals or their entities, transferable by different payment instruments and utilizing these funds in whole or in part for lending and investing on its own account and risk;
capital - means the net worth of funds owned by financial institution that represent the difference between its assets and commitments (debts);
regulatory capital - means a financial institution's own funds it must maintain in accordance with regulations issued by the National Bank that will describe the components of regulatory capital and the minimum amount which must be maintained in relation to risk weighted assets or total assets;
equity interest - means any ownership right or voting right with respect to a legal entity capital; significant interest - means a direct or indirect holding of an interest in a legal entity, that represents the equivalent of 5 percent or more of the equity or of the voting rights, or that makes it possible to exercise a significant influence over the management or policies of that entity;
debt security -means any negotiable instrument of indebtedness and any other instrument equivalent to such instrument of indebtedness, and any negotiable instrument giving the right to acquire another negotiable debt security by subscription or exchange. Negotiable debt securities may be in certificate or in book-entry form;
credit - means any commitment to disburse a sum of money in exchange for a right to repayment of the amount disbursed and to payment of interest or other charges on such amount, any extension of the due date of a debt, any guarantee issued, and any commitment to acquire a debt security or other right to payment of a sum of money;
subordinate debt - means a sum of money placed on terms:
-    that is not ensured;
-that the maturity term is 5 years at least. If the maturity does not provide a fixed term, the debt is to be repaid on demand by the holder within a term of 5 years at least from the date of placement and providing the preliminary granting by the National Bank of Moldova of the permission issued under conditions of Art. 7 paragraph (2);
-    that is not reimbursed before maturity, except cases of bank liquidation;
-    that in case of bank liquidation, is to be repaid after redemption of claims by all creditors of the bank, but before redemption of claims by shareholders;
-that may be considered as component of the regulated capital under terms established by the National Bank;
deposit - means a sum of money paid on terms:
-    that is to be repaid, with or without interest or premium of any kind, and either on demand or at a time or in circumstances agreed by or on behalf of the depositor (person making the payment) and depositary (person receiving it for keeping);
-    that are not referable to the provision of property or services or the giving of security;
-    whether or not evidenced by any entry in a record of the person receiving the sum, or by any receipt, certificate, note or other document;
household deposits - means deposits of individuals;
capital distribution - means a distribution of cash or other property by a financial institution to its owners made on account of that ownership, but not including:
-    any dividend consisting only of shares of the institution or rights to purchase such shares;
-    any amount paid on deposits of a cooperative bank that the National Bank determines is not a distribution for purposes of article 28, paragraph 4;
credit documentation - means the documentation that serves as basis for an agreement entered into by a bank with any other person for the provision of a credit that will include at least:
-    current financial situation of the borrower and of any person other person, which constitutes a personal guarantee;
-    adescription of methods to guarantee the full payment of indebtedness and eventually an evaluation of goods that make the object of the guarantee;
-    adescription of credit terms and conditions, including the amount of credit, the interest rate, the reimbursement schedule, the objective of the debtor and the purpose of the credit;
-    the document with the signatures of persons authorizing credit provision on behalf of the
bank;
other documents determined by the bank;
branch office - means a separate entity, that is a legally dependent part of a bank and that conducts all or some financial activities;
financial institution - means a legal entity engaged in the business of accepting deposits or their equivalent, non-transferable by any payment instrument and using such funds either in whole or   in   part   to   make   loans,   or   investments   for   its   own   account   and   risk; remedial action - means measures to correct the infractions described in Article 38 which include:
-    theestablishment of a plan to increase regulatory capital;
-    the establishment of committees of the board of directors to oversee credit administration, asset and liability management, internal audit and controls;
-    replacement of the heads of departments;
-    establishing and enforcing improved internal controls;
-    other measures;
order - means an obligatory directive in implementation of this Law, issued by the National Bank to one or more financial institutions that constitute less than a class of a financial institution;
person - means an individual or legal entity, association or any group of persons acting in concert, whether or not incorporated;
regulation - means an obligatory directive in implementation of this Law, issued by the National Bank to one or more classes of financial institutions and other legal entities and individuals;
subsidiary - means any legal entity in which another entity or group of entities acting in concert holds:
-    the equivalent of 50 percent or more of the voting shares;
-    asignificant interest that permits such other entity or group of entities to exercise effective control over the management and activity of subsidiary.

CHAPTER II LICENSING OF BANKS

Article 4. Licensing authority
The National Bank has the exclusive right for the issuance of licenses to banks. Article 5. Minimum capital
(1)    The minimum amount subscribed and paid in the bank's capital is established in the
quantum of 100 million lei.
(2)    Shares shall be paid integrally with funds.
Article 6. License application
(1) Licenses for financial activity in accordance with Article 26, shall be applied for in writing to the National Bank in such form as it is prescribed and shall be accompanied by the following: a) information on qualifications and experience of the administrators of the proposed financial institution, including professional history for the past ten years; b) information on the expected paid in capital of the proposed financial institution; c) a business plan for the proposed financial institution, setting out the organizational structure, the types of financial activities envisaged, and projected financial statements for the first three years etc.; d) information on the name, residence, and business or professional history for the past 10 years and ownership interest of each person who proposes to own the equivalent of 5 percent or more of any class of voting stock of the bank. For the purpose of this provision, the proposed ownership interest of affiliated persons shall be aggregated to determine the amount of the proposed ownership interest; e) such additional information as shall be prescribed by regulation of the National Bank.
(2)    The National Bank may request an applicant to submit additional information for its license application if, in the opinion of the National Bank, the basic information submitted is insufficient.
(3)    The license concerning a branch office or subsidiary of a foreign bank shall applied for by the foreign bank as shall be prescribed by the National Bank regulations.

Article 7. License decision
(1)    Within 3 months from the date of its receipt of an application for a license that has been completed to the satisfaction of Article 6, the National Bank shall grant preliminary approval or deny the application and notify the applicant of its decision in writing. Decisions refusing a license shall include an explanation of the grounds on which the license was refused. The grounds for denial of an application may include that the information submitted is insufficient to determine whether the applicant meets the criteria in paragraph (2).
(2)    The National Bank shall grant a license only if it is assured that:
a)    the bank will comply with the provisions of this Law;
b)    the qualifications, experience, and integrity of its administrators and shareholders
with significant interest are appropriate for its business plan and for the financial activities that the
bank will be licensed to engage in;
c)    the financial condition of the bank will be satisfactory.
(3)    After preliminary approval of an application, the National Bank shall set the following
requirements for the bank to receive the license:
a)    the payment of the bank initial capital that shall not be less than the minimum capital
required;
b)    the hiring of the specialists;
c)    signing an agreement with an auditing firm, in accordance with Article 34;
d)    the lease or purchase of operations equipment and bank premises.
(4)    If a bank fails to comply within one year with the enumerated requirements, the preliminary approval of the application for a license shall become void.
(5)    If the requirements described are satisfied, the National Bank shall issue the license within one month.
(6)    Licenses concerning a branch offices and subsidiaries of foreign bank shall be granted
only if:
a)    the foreign bank is authorized to engage in the business of receiving money deposits or other repayable funds in the foreign country where its head office is located;
b)    the competent foreign authorities that supervise the financial activities at the head office of the foreign bank concerned have given their written consent to the granting of such license;
c)    the National Bank determines that the foreign bank is adequately supervised on a consolidated basis by such foreign authorities.
(7)    Financial institutions carrying out some financial activities that are not defined as banks under this Law are issued licenses as shall be prescribed by the National Bank.
(8)    The National Bank shall not grant the licence if the capital of the establishing banks does not comply with the minimum capital provided under Art.  5 plus expenses for bank establishment. Expenses related to bank establishment shall be made within the limits provided in the business plan worked out in accordance with provisions of Article 6 paragraph (1) point c)."

Article 8. Scope of license. Authorized copies of license. Fees
(1)    The license shall be granted for an indefinite period of time and shall not be transferable.
(2)    Banks shall be issued authorized copies of the license for each branch or another separate
subdivision of the bank, where the activity based on the issued license will be carried out.
(3)    The fee for license issuance shall be established at 50000 lei.
(4)    The fee for issuing the authorized copy of the license, for reissuance of license/authorized copy of the license, as well as the fee for the issuance of the duplicate of the license /of the authorized copy thereof shall be established at 450 lei.
(5)    The amounts of the fees under paragraphs (3) and (4) are transferred to the state budget and shall not be refunded in case the bank/branch or another separate subdivision of the bank does not commence business or ceases operations.

Article 9. Register of banks
(1)    A register of authorized banks shall be kept by the National Bank that shall record for each licensed bank the name, the head office and branch office addresses, and copies of the documents listed in Article 17. This register shall be opened for the public.
(2)    A copy of the register of authorized banks shall be kept for public inspection by each regional office of the National Bank.
(3)    Banks whose licenses have been revoked shall be removed from the register through respective record.

Article 10. Revocation of a license
(1) The National Bank may revoke the bank license only:
a)    upon a request of the bank;
b)    following an infraction pursuant to Article 38;
c)    the license has been obtained on the basis of false information submitted by or concerning the applicant;
d)    the bank has not commenced operations within twelve months after the receipt of the license or has ceased for more than 6 months to engage in the business of receiving money deposits or other repayable funds;
e)    another bank that holds a significant ownership interest in the bank has had its license revoked;
f)    a reorganization or sale of substantially all the assets of the bank has occurred;
g)    the holder of a significant interest in the bank has transferred or otherwise lost such interest without the prior written consent of the National Bank;
h)    the owners of the bank have decided to liquidate the bank, or the bank has ceased to exist
as a legally independent entity;
i)    the financial activities of the bank during its first three years of operation differ
substantially from those presented in the application for a license and in the opinion of the National
Bank, such deviation is not justified by changed economic circumstances;
j) the owners of the bank do not observe legal provisions to ensure prudent management of the bank or do not allow performance of efficient supervision.
(2)    When a bank requests that the National Bank revoke its license, the National Bank shall decide on the request within thirty days after its receipt.
(3)    The license issued to a foreign bank concerning its branch offices must be revoked by the National Bank if the foreign bank has lost the authority to engage in the business of receiving money deposits or other repayable funds in the foreign country where its head office is located.
(4)    A decision by the National Bank to revoke a license shall be communicated forthwith in writing to the bank and branch office, as well as the tax authorities and shall give the grounds for the decision.

Article 11. Publication and effect of license revocation
(1)    The decision to revoke a license shall be published within 7 days after it was adopted in
the Official Monitor of the Republic of Moldova, in newspapers of general circulation, as well as in
newspapers wherever the offices of the bank concerned are located.
(2)    The decision to revoke a license shall become effective on the date of its approval.
(3)    Starting on the date that the revocation of a license takes effect, the bank shall be
prohibited from engaging in any financial activity, and shall as soon as practicable thereafter
liquidate its assets, terminate accepting deposits and discharge its liabilities. During the receivership
the bank has to comply with the provisions of this Law, as before the license was revoked.

Article 12. Prohibitions
(1)    No one shall engage into financial activities, including acceptance of deposits or of
equivalent of thereof without a license issued by the National Bank of Moldova.
(2)    No person other than a bank shall accept household deposits or their equivalent.
(3)    No one shall use the word "bank" or derivatives of the word "bank" in respect of a business, without a license issued by the National Bank, unless such usage is recognized by law or international agreement, or unless it shall be clear from the context in which this word and its derivatives are used that it does not concern financial activities.
(4)    No foreign bank shall be permitted to engage directly in any financial activity in the Republic of Moldova unless the activity is undertaken through a branch office or subsidiary for which a license has been issued by the National Bank. A foreign bank may open representation offices in the Republic of Moldova only after notifying the National Bank as in accordance with the normative acts of the National Bank of Moldova. Representation offices of foreign banks shall limit their activity to acts of information, connection or representation and shall not be engaged in any activity provided in Article 26.
(5)    No person shall make a misstatement of material fact or false representation or do anything to create a false appearance or engage in any manipulative device to practice in relation to taking of deposits.

CHAPTER III ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF BANKS

Article 13. Organizations and independence of banks
(1)    Banks shall be organized as joint stock companies under the Joint Stock Company Law.
(2)    Each bank shall enjoy complete legal, operational, financial and administrative autonomy
from any other person, including the National Bank, the Government and any other public
administration entities, unless the law specifically otherwise provides. No person shall limitate the
banks' autonomy, influence any administrator of a bank in the discharge of his duties or to interfere in the activities of any bank, except in the execution of a specific authority or duty under the law.
(3)    Each bank shall enjoy freedom of contract, and the right to own and dispose of movable and immovable property, and to be a party to legal proceedings.
(4)    Banks may open branches and representation offices in the Republic of Moldova and other states only upon the preliminary approval of the National Bank, as provided in normative acts adopted by the National Bank.

Article 14. Capital
(1)The minimum amount that banks must maintain as regulatory capital shall not be lower than the quantum of the minimum capital set out under Art. 5 (1).
(2) Shares shall be paid integrally with funds.

Article 15. Restrictions on ownership and holdings
(1)    The transfer by transactions of an equity interest in a bank shall require the written authorisation of the National Bank if, as a result of such transfer, any one person or number of persons acting in concert, would, directly or indirectly, hold a significant interest in such bank, as well as if, as a result of increase of such interest, the set limits of 25%, 33% and 50% shall be reached or exceeded. Determinations shall be based upon the criteria described in Article 7, paragraph (2). The voting right of shareholders holding significant interest in a bank without the authorisation of the National Bank or of those that obtained equity interest that have lead to surpassing of maximum limits provided in para (2), shall be reduced, as of the date of the National Bank notice, with the value of equity interest exceeding the limits allowed by the National Bank. Shareholders must obtain the authorisation of the National Bank within three months or sell stocks held without such authorisation. Upon the expiration of this term, if stocks were not sold or no authorisation was received from the National Bank, the bank shall have to withdraw relevant stocks, to issue new stocks in same volume and category and to transfer gains from selling of such stocks to the initial holder after deduction of selling expenses.
(2)    The amount of all equity interests in a bank, owned directly or indirectly by resident persons of off-shore zones and / or countries, as well as / or by groups of persons acting in concert, within which there is a person from mentioned zones and / or countries, shall not exceed the significant interest.
(3)    No bank shall, alone or in concert with one or more other persons, without prior written authorization of the National Bank, directly or indirectly:
a)    hold an equity interest in a legal entity that is engaged in other than financial activities that either represents a significant interest or exceeds as to its net current value the equivalent of 15 percent of the bank's regulatory capital;
b)    or permit the aggregate net current value of all such equity interests to exceed the equivalent of 50 percent of the bank's regulatory capital.
(4) No such authorization from the National Bank shall be required for equity interests except equity interest in capital of banks:
a)    that have been acquired by a bank in lieu of repayment of credit granted by the bank, in which case the bank may entirely dispose of such equity interests within one year or within such longer time period as the National Bank in exceptional circumstances may decide;
b)    held by a bank as an agent.
Article 16. Reorganizations of banks
The reorganization or sale of substantially all the assets of a bank shall require the prior written authorization of the National Bank. Determinations shall be based upon the criteria described in Article 7(2). The bank or banks established following merging or decomposition shall start the activity only if having received the authorisation of the National Bank. Reorganizations and amalgamations that would be inconsistent with the provisions of Article 27 shall not be authorized.

Article 17. Charter and by-laws
(1)    Each bank shall have a charter that shall specify its corporate name and address, its purposes, Jurisdiction and authority of its Board of Directors, as well as the amount of its capital, the classes, numbers and nominal values of its shares, and the voting rights attaching to its shares. No amendment of the charter of a bank shall take effect without the prior written consent of the National Bank.
(2)    Each bank shall be governed by internal by-laws, approved by its Board of Directors, which in compliance with its charter shall establish:
a)    the structural organization and functions of the bank, including administration and control
units and their jurisdiction;
b)    sub-units functions, supervisory positions employees;
c)    the limits of the authority of the administrators and other employees of the bank to engage
in financial activities in the name and for the account of the bank;
d)    the functions of the Audit Committee and other permanent committees.
(3)    Each bank shall submit to the National Bank a duly certified copy of its registered
charter, its by laws, and a list of the officials of the bank who are authorized to act on its behalf,
together with their specimen signatures and a description of the limits of their authority.

Article 18. Administrative and control structure of banks
(1)    Each bank shall be managed by the general meting of shareholders, the Board of Directors, the executive body and the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors is the administration authority of the bank that shall carry out supervision functions and shall establish and ensure the bank policy operation. Attributions of the Board of Directors shall be specified in the charter and internal regulations of the bank.
(2)    Each bank shall be overseen by an Audit Committee, as responsible for control of the bank's activity.

Article 19. Board of Directors
(1)    The Board of Directors of a bank shall have an uneven number of not less than three members. Board members shall be appointed by the general meeting of shareholders of the bank for a period of not more than four years. Board members may be reappointed for subsequent periods of four years. The general meeting of shareholders of a bank may establish remuneration for Board membership. The majority of Board members shall be persons not affiliated to the bank, except for affiliation determined by membership in bank Board.
(2)    A person shall not be eligible to become a member of the Board of Directors of a bank, or shall by decision of the general meeting of shareholders of the bank be relieved of his membership on the Board of Directors of the bank, in the event that:
a) he is or would be a member of the Board of Directors of two or more other banks of the Republic of Moldova;
b)    he has been deprived of the right to sit on the Board of Directors;
c)    he serves, or he served during the preceding twelve months' period on the Administrative
Council of the National Bank;
d)    he has been subject to an insolvency proceeding and not discharged from payment of past
debts.
(3) The Board of Directors of a bank and its members cannot delegate their responsibilities to others.

Article 20. Audit Committee
(1)    The Audit Committee shall have an uneven number of not less than of three members appointed by the general meeting of shareholders of the bank for period of 4 years. Members of the board of Directors shall not concurrently serve on the Audit Committee. The majority of members of the Audit Committee shall not be persons employed at the bank.
(2)    The Audit Committee shall: a) establish appropriate accounting procedures and accounting controls for the bank, according to the National Bank regulations, supervise compliance with such procedures, and audit the bank's accounts and records; b) monitor compliance with the laws and regulations applicable to the bank and report to the Board of Directors thereon; c) deliver advise on any matters submitted to it by the Board of Directors or that it wishes to address.
(3)    The Audit Committee shall meet ordinary once per quarter and extraordinarily when convened by the Board of Directors or by two of its members. Decisions shall be taken by a majority of the members that have no right to abstain

Article 21. Requirements to administrators
All persons elected or appointed as administrators of a bank must meet the criteria established by National Bank regarding qualifications, experience, reputation in business circles, must be free of any legal proceedings and evidence of financial and administrative problems at previous work, financial fraud, tax avoidance etc. Only individuals may be elected as administrators of a bank, except members of the Audit Commission whose powers and authorities may de delegated to the audit company, is such company does not conduct the audit of the bank. Such persons must receive the confirmation of the National Bank prior starting to act as administrators. The decision on such confirmation shall be issued under provisions of Art. 7 (2).

Article 22. Commercial secrecy, banking secrecy and fiduciary obligations
(1)    Present and past administrators, employees and agents of a bank shall be required to keep commercial secret and banking secret, and not to use for personal gain or gain by other than the bank that they serve or have served, or permit to be examined by others, any information that they obtained in the course of their services to the bank.
(2)    This type of information may be disclosed only to the National Bank, its inspectors, accounting experts and external auditors appointed by it, judicial and investigatory authorities, Accounting Chamber, the Centre for Economic Crime and Corruption Prevention, relevant fiscal authorities as the law shall provide, and when the protection of the bank's own interest in legal proceedings requires disclosure. Banks are obliged to present to the investigatory authorities the materials concerning non-performing and compromised loans, determined by them in conformity with the norms of the National Bank, for undertaking measures in conformity with currently effective legislation. Commercial banks are also obliged to submit documents confirming the opening of accounts to the tax payers, within 5 days from the opening of such banking accounts.
(3)    Banks shall introduce suitable procedures so that their administrators and employees are
not placed in a situation where their duty to one customer conflicts with their duty to another, or their own duty conflicts with their duty to a customer.

Article 23. Money Laundering
(1)    No financial institution shall conceal, convert, or transfer cash or other valuables, knowing that it is derived from criminal activity, for the purpose of concealing its illicit origin or of assisting any person who is involved in such activity to evade the legal consequences of his action.
(2)    It is considered that the financial institution is knowledgeable of the illicit origin of the cash or other valuables if it is inferred from objective factual circumstances.
(3)    Financial institutions shall inform the competent authorities of the evidence that cash or other valuables are derived from criminal activity, as prescribed by the law. providing such information is not considered a violation of Article 22.

Article 24. Conflicts of interest
(1)    An administrator of a bank who is a party to a material contract or a proposed material contract with the bank or is an administrator of, or has a material interest in or a material relation to any person who is a party to a material contract or a proposed material contract with the bank, shall disclose in writing to the bank about its material interest when the contract comes or ought to come to the attention of the administrator.
(2)    Any administrator shall submit to the Board of Directors not less than annually a notice in writing that shall be a sufficient declaration of conflict of interest. Sufficient declaration of conflict of interest means providing the names and addresses of the administrator's associates, full particulars of activity or family interest that such person has, and stating that the person is to be regarded as interested in any material contract with a person named in the notice.
(3)    An administrator who has a material interest to a contract shall leave any meeting at which the contract is discussed. At the same time his presence at the meeting is considered for purposes of constituting a quorum and when voting as refrained. The chairman of the meeting has the decisive vote if there is a parity.
(4)    For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2 an interest shall be material if it is material with reference to the wealth, business or family (first and second degree of consanguinity) interests of the person having the interest. A person has a material interest in any company if the person owns, directly or indirectly, a significant interest in the company, or is an administrator of the company, and any partnership if a the person is a partner.
(5)    Where an administrator fails to disclose a material conflict of interest:
a)    a court may, on the application of the bank, one or more shareholders, or the National Bank set aside the contract on such terms as it thinks fit;
b)    the National Bank may, by written order, suspend the administrator from office for any period not exceeding one year, or remove the administrator from office permanently.
(6)    Independently of the fiduciary obligation under Article 22(3), administrators of banks
have a fiduciary duty to the bank that they serve and to the bank's customers to place the bank's
interests and its customers' interests before their own pecuniary interest.

CHAPTER IV OPERATIONS

Article 25. Prudential requirements
(1)    Financial institutions shall conduct their administration and operations in accordance with sound administrative and accounting procedures, the requirements of the law, and the regulations issued by the National Bank.
(2)    Financial institutions shall maintain adequate capital and sufficient resources, and, with due regard to the nature of their business, shall ensure that their assets are diversified as to risk of loss.
Article 26. Financial activities allowed to banks
(1) Banks may conduct the following activities within the issued authorisation:
a)    receiving deposits (in the form of demand or time deposits etc.) bearing interest or not;
b)    extending credit (consumer and mortgage credit, factoring, with or without recourse, financing of commercial transactions, issue of warranties and collateral etc.);
c)    borrowing funds, buying and selling for their own account or for account of customers (excluding underwriting) of:
-    money market instruments (checks, bills of exchange and certificate of deposit etc.);
-    futures and options relating to debt securities or interest rates;
-    interest rate instruments;
-    debt securities;
d)    providing payment and collection services;
e)    issuing and administering means of payment (payment cards, travellers' checks
and bankers' drafts etc.);
f)    money (including foreign currency) broking;
g)    financial leasing;
h)    providing credit reference services;
i)    providing services as a financial agent or consultant not including services described in
subparagraphs (a) and (b);
j) dealing in foreign currencies, including contracts for the future sale of foreign currencies; k) providing trust services (investment and administration of funds received in trust), safekeeping and administration of securities and other valuables etc.;
l) providing services as an investment portfolio manager or investment adviser;
m) underwriting and distribution of debt and equity securities and dealing in equity securities;
n) such other financial activities as approved by the National Bank.
(3) No bank shall engage in financial activities that exceed those specifically authorized by its license.

Article 27. Prohibited anticompetitive transactions and practices
(1) Financial institutions shall refrain from:
a) entering into transactions or operations that would provide them, alone or together with others, a position of dominance on the money, financial and foreign exchange markets;
b) engaging in manipulative practices that could result in an unfair advantage for themselves and third parties.
(2)    No financial institution shall require any person to contract to receive any financial service or any goods or other service from an affiliate as a condition of being permitted to contract with the financial institution to receive any financial service.
(3)    No bank and no financial institution affiliate of a bank shall:
a)    extend credit beyond limits determined by the National Bank to a person or underwrite or place tangible assets or arrange financing from third parties to that person to enable the person to repay his obligation to the affiliate;
b)    underwrite or place tangible assets of a person and extend credit to that person to enable him to pay the principal, interest or dividend on such securities;
c)    underwrite, place, or distribute securities and within 60 days of the initial sale, purchase or recommend the purchase of such securities in the capacity of asset manager or investment advisor.
(4)    No bank shall purchase from an affiliate of the bank:
a)    assets of that affiliate;
b)    securities to be underwritten, placed or distributed by that affiliate or that have been
sounder written, placed or distributed within the past year.
(5)    No bank shall provide credit enhancement for or extend credit to facilitate the purchase
of securities underwritten, placed or distributed by an affiliate of the bank.

Article 28. Prudential measures
(1)    Banks shall observe the following maximum limits as prescribed by the National Bank:
a) the maximum ratios and exposures to be maintained by a bank concerning its assets, risk weighted assets, and of-balance sheet items and various categories of capital and reserves; b) the maximum aggregate amount of credits, expressed as a percentage of its regulatory capital, that a bank shall be permitted to extend to any single person or group of interrelated persons; c) the maximum aggregate amount of credits, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate amount of all its credits, that a bank shall be permitted to have committed or outstanding to or for the benefit of the ten largest borrowers (including groups of interrelated persons).
(2)    According to the regulations of the National Bank, banks shall observe the following
requirements concerning:
a)    the minimum amount of liquid resources or specific categories of such resources in
relation to the value or change in value of assets (including guarantees and collateral received) or
specific categories thereof, or in relation to the amount or change in amount of liabilities or specific
categories of liabilities;
b)    the maximum aggregate amount of real estate investments, or specific categories thereof;
c)    classification and evaluation of assets and specific risk provisions to be made on the basis
of such classification and evaluation against losses on loans and the time when earnings on such
loans may no longer be accounted for as income except as received in cash;
d)    the types or forms of credits and investments made;
e)    matching as to maturity and interest in respect of assets and liabilities;
f)    unhedged positions in foreign currencies, precious metals or precious stones, exceeding a
specified size.
(3)    Non compliance with the requirements described in paragraphs (1) and (2) will result into use of the provisions of Article 38.
(4)    A bank shall make no capital distribution if in the opinion of the National Bank, after making the distribution, the bank would have less than the minimum regulatory capital.
(5)    A bank shall not extend credits under the warranty of own issued stocks.
(6)    No financial institution may engage directly in enterprise activity, or services other than
financial services.

Article 29. Records of financial institutions
A financial institution shall prepare and maintain at its head office the following records:
a)    its charter and by-laws and all amendments thereto;
b)    a register of its shareholders, including the number of shares registered in the name of
each shareholder, as in accordance with the Law on Securities Market;
c)minutes of meetings and resolutions of the Board of Directors;
d)    minutes of meetings and resolutions of the shareholders;
e)    accounting records exhibiting clearly and correctly the state of its business affairs, explaining itstransactions and financial position;
f)    records showing, for each customer of the financial institution, on a daily basis, and the balance owing to or by that customer;
g)    such other records as are required by this Law and regulations of the National Bank.
Article 30. Public notification
A financial institution shall regularly publish truthful information about its financial activity, and terms and conditions associated with the deposits made and credits extended, including the rate of interest, in accordance with regulations issued by the National Bank.

Article 31. Transactions with employees of the bank and with related persons
(1)    Banks shall not extend credit to or for the benefit of a person who is related to the bank, if such credit would be extended on less favourable terms and conditions, or not at all, to the persons who are not so related to the bank. For the purposes of this paragraph, persons who are related to a bank shall include: any administrator of the bank; any person who is related to such administrator by marriage or consanguinity of the second degree; shareholders having substantial interest; affiliated persons. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no bank shall extend credit to or for the benefit of a person so related to the bank if as a result thereof the aggregate amount of the credits extended by the bank to such persons would exceed an amount prescribed by regulation by the National Bank.
(2)    Credit extended by any bank to any related financial institution shall be subject to such conditions or restrictions as prescribed by the National Bank. For the purposes of this paragraph, a related financial institution shall include: any person or number of group of such persons acting in concert, that has a direct or indirect interest in the bank extending the credit; any entity in which the bank holds a significant interest.
(3)    A bank shall not extend credit to any of its employees in excess of the limits established by the National Bank.

Article 32. Provision of credits
(1)    The banks shall record all credit and warranty operations of the banks in contractual documents that will clearly define the established terms and conditions of relevant transactions.
(2)    Banks shall extend credits only if assured that the applicants are solvable enough as to reimburse credits in due time. For the purpose of this paragraph, banks shall request the applicants to guarantee credits under conditions established by bank credit regulations.

CHAPTER V ACCOUNTS AND STATEMENTS, AUDIT, REPORTING AND INSPECTION

Article 33. Accounts and financial statements
(1)    Financial institutions shall maintain at all times accounts and records and prepare periodic financial statements to reflect their operations and financial condition in accordance with consistently maintained sound accounting practices.
(2)    Accounts and financial statements shall be in accordance with accounting standards as established by the National Bank respecting the preparation of the financial institution's accounts, including creation of appropriate provisions for bad and doubtful assets and timing of income receipts.
(3)    The accounts, records and financial institution's statements shall also reflect the operations and financial condition of its subsidiaries and branch offices, both on an individual and on a consolidated basis.

Article 34. External audit
(1)    Banks shall each appoint an independent external auditor, accepted by the National Bank,
who shall:
a)    assist it in maintaining proper accounts and records in the manner established by the National Bank;
b)    prepare an annual report together with an opinion as to whether the financial statements present a full and fair view of the financial condition in accordance with the provisions of this Law;
c)    review the adequacy of internal audit and control practices and procedures and make recommendations for redemption;
d)    inform the National Bank about any fraudulent act by an employee of the bank or its branch office and any irregularity or deficiency in its administration or operations that should be expected to result in a material loss for the bank or its branch office.
(2)    For banks whose assets do not exceed the amount established by the National Bank, the
audit functions may be performed by an accounting expert or a certified public accountant from the
bank, as determined by the National Bank.

Article 35. Publication of balance sheet, auditor's opinion, annual report
Each bank shall, within four months of the end of its financial year, publish in the newspapers of general circulation, wherever the offices of the bank concerned are located, its balance sheet and external auditor's opinion, and publish its annual report and provide copies to the public without charge.

Article 36. Examinations of branches
(1)    Provisions of Articles 34 and 35 may, by regulations of the National Bank, be made applicable to any branch office of a bank as if such branch office were a subsidiary of that bank. Statutory and regulatory provisions requiring financial statements may be applicable for the branch office too.
(2)    With respect to a branch office of a foreign bank, an audit committee or other representative organ of the foreign bank may function as the Audit Committee of the branch office.
Article 37. Reports and inspection
(1)    Each bank shall prepare and submit to the National Bank according to its regulations, reports concerning its administration and operations, liquidity, solvency, and profitability, and those of its subsidiaries, for an assessment of the financial condition of the bank and each of its subsidiaries on an individual and a consolidated basis.
(2)    Every bank and each of its branches and subsidiaries, including those abroad, shall be subject to inspections by inspectors of the National Bank or by auditors appointed by the National Bank. The inspection of the bank that is a branch or subsidiary of a foreign bank or has a significant interest in the foreign bank is made by the auditors charged with supervision of financial activities in that country.
(3)    Each bank and each of its subsidiaries shall admit and cooperate fully with the inspectors of the National Bank and the auditors appointed by the National Bank.
(4)    In their inspections of banks and their subsidiaries, the National Bank inspectors and its auditors may:
a)    examine the accounts, books and other records;
b)    require administrators, employees and agents of the bank or subsidiary to provide all such
information on any matter relating to its administration and operations.
(5)    Fiscal authorities, the Centre for Economic Crime and Corruption Prevention and other
authorities authorized with control functions, shall be admitted by financial institutions and shall
conduct such controls and obtain information and records or copies of thereof deemed for
application of vested powers as it is established within their competence and provided in the
legislation on the activity of these authorities.

CHAPTER VI INFRACTIONS, PENALTIES AND REMEDIAL MEASURES

Article 38. Infractions, penalties and remedial measures
(1) The National Bank may take the following actions with respect to a bank (financial institutions) if it determines that the bank (financial institution) or any of its owners or administrators are guilty of an infraction consisting of: a violation of this Law or regulations of the National Bank, condition attached to the license; the breach of a fiduciary duty; the unsafe or unsound operations; the failure to report; late reporting; reporting of erroneous data on banking prudential indicators or other requirements provided in the normative acts of the National Bank; failure to comply with remedial measures established by the National Bank or if considering the specific current or previous financial situation of the bank (financial institution):
a)    issue written warning;
b)    conclude an agreement with the bank (financial institutions) providing for remedial
actions; c) issue written instruction to cease and desist from such infractions, to undertake remedial
actions and impose sanctions;
d)    impose fines to the bank (financial institutions) up to 0.5% of the capital of the bank
(financial institution) and / or to the administrator within 1 to 10 average salaries on financial
activities according to data of the National Bureau of Statistics for the month preceding the date of
infraction;
e)    withdraw the confirmation issued to the administrator of the bank (financial institution);
f)    limit or desist the activity of the bank (financial institution);
h) withdraw the licence or authorization.
(2)    The National Bank may require the following if it determines that the bank (financial
institution) committed infractions mentioned in paragraph (1):
a)    that the average total assets of the institution during each quarter not exceed its average total assets during the preceding quarter;
b)    that the institution not acquire any equity interest in any legal entity, establish or acquire any additional branch office, or engage in any new line of business;
c)    that the institution not grant any extension of credit to an affiliate unless such credit is collateralised by Government issued or guarantied tangible assets, whose market value exceeds at all times 125% of the amount of the credit;
d)    that the interest rate the institutions pay on deposits not exceed the prevailing rates of interest on deposits of comparable amounts and maturities in the region where the institution is located;
e)    that the institution alter, modify or terminate any activity that the National Bank determines possess excessive risk;
f)    that the institution substitute one or more administrators who had held office for more than 180 days immediately before the bank (financial institution) became undercapitalised or restrict their competences;
g)    to divest itself of or to liquidate any subsidiary if the National Bank determines that the subsidiary is becoming insolvent and poses a significant risk to the financial risk or is likely to cause significant dissipation of the institution's assets or earnings;
h)    that no employee receives any payments (bonuses and other additional payment to the
basic salary), retributions (compensations) or salaries exceeding the amount of average salaries
(excluding bonuses, retributions and stock options and profit sharing) during the twelve calendar
months preceding the month in which the institution became undercapitalised.
(3)    For financial institutions in insolvency or over-indebted situation, or whose capital is determined to be less than two-thirds of the regulatory capital and that are likely to face insolvency situation, in addition to measures and sanctions described in paragraphs (1) and (2), the National Bank shall withdraw the licence and shall contact the law authorities to initiate the insolvency process. For the purpose of this paragraph, "insolvency" means the situation when the bank fails to pay in due time 10% of current commitments.
(4)    The measures and penalties provided in this article shall not preclude application of other measures and penalties as provided by the legislation.
(5)    The measures and penalties applied by the National Bank in accordance with this article shall be paid to the State budget.
(6)    By derogation from legislative provisions on administrative contentious matter, only the shareholders of the banks that in total hold at least 25% of voting shares, depositors that hold at least one-fourth of total deposits or other creditors that hold at least one-fourth of total credits (except deposits) may address the competent court within 30 days from licence revocation to appeal the decision of the National Bank to revoke the licence indicating the reasons within provisions of paragraph (3).
(7)    The measures and penalties applied by the National Bank of Moldova may be appealed by a competent court. Where a suit is instituted against the National Bank of Moldova with regard to application of provisions of this Law, it shall be presumed that:
a) if the court determines that the actions applied by the National Bank towards the bank are not motivated, the National Bank shall pay all material claims and the revocation of licence shall remain valid;
b) the suit shall not have impact upon the liquidation process and shall not determine the suspension of actions applied by the National Bank.

CHAPTER VII FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Article 39. Transitional provisions
(1)    Financial institutions that operate as banks at the time that this Law becomes effective shall be deemed to posses a license pursuant to the provisions of this Law.
(2)    Applications for bank licenses that are pending on the effective date of this Law shall be returned to the applicants. The applicant will resubmit new applications in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
(3)    Within the time period specified by the National Bank, or by regulation or order, all financial institution's financial condition and all operations which do not conform with the requirements of this Law and any regulations issued by the National Bank, shall conform to the requirements of this Law no later than July 1, 1996.

Article 40. Supervision and regulation of the financial institutions' activity
For the purpose of supervision and regulation of the financial institutions activities, the National Bank is empowered to issue such regulations, to control such institutions, to examine such accounts, books, other documents, and to take such other action to give effect to the provisions of this Law.

Article 41. Regulations of the National Bank
All regulations issued by the National Bank pursuant to this Law shall be published in the Official Monitor of the Republic of Moldova and shall take effect on the date of such publication or on such date as such regulation shall specify, provided that the financial institutions are informed.

Article 42. Dispute settlement
The disputes, arising between banks, banks and other persons, as well as between the National Bank and banks are settled by the competent court as prescribed by the legislation.

Article 43. Final dispositions
(1)    This Law shall take effect on the date of its publication.
(2)    Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 39 (3), the provisions of paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 38 shall not become mandatory before January 1, 1996.
(3)    The regulations issued by the Government shall be within one month put into accordance with the provisions of this Law.
(4)    From
-    The law No 601-XII dated June 12, 1991, on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    Parliament decree No 602-XII dated June 12, 1991, on the implementation of the law on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    The law No 810-XII dated December 18, 1991, on completion of the law on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    Parliament decree No 811-XII dated December 18, 1991, on implementation of the law on completion of the Law on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    The law No 1233-XII dated December 15, 1992, for the modification and completion of the law on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    Thelaw No 166-XIII dated July 1, 1994 for the modification and completion of the law on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    Parliament decree No 167-XIII dated July 1, 1994, on the implementation of the law for the modification and completion of the law on Banks and Banking Activity;
-    Thelaw No 419-XIII dated March 29, 1995, on completion of the Article 22 from the law on Banks and Banking Activity.
(5) It is suggested to the President of the Republic of Moldova to abrogate the Decree No 36- p dated April 25, 1995, on promulgation of the law for the completion of the Article 22 from the law on Banks and Banking Activity. [Art. 43 amended by Law No. 249 - XVI of 21.10.2005].

CHAIRMAN OF THE PARLIAMENT
PETRU LUCINSCHI
Chisinau, July 21, 1995 No 550-XIII