Government proposes treating bank card theft as a separate offence

Bank card theft could be treated as a separate offence in the Republic of Moldova, under a bill whose approval was announced by the Government on October 28, 2026. The amendments target fraud involving cashless payments and the preparation of such fraud, with the stated aim of protecting citizens and companies.

In brief

• The bill announced by the Government on October 28, 2026, proposes amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.

• The bill presented by the Government on October 28, 2026, covers devices and software intended for committing fraud, where there is an intention to use them for this purpose.

• On October 28, 2026, the Government announced that the bill provides for additional ways to check transactions and obtain financial information.

What acts would be punishable?

The bill proposes that bank card theft be regulated separately as an offence. However, the amendments are not limited to theft or the actual commission of fraud; they also cover acts that prepare for or facilitate fraud.

The sale or possession of counterfeit payment instruments or instruments obtained through criminal activity is also covered by the bill. The provisions apply where the purpose is to use these instruments fraudulently.

What does the bill provide for devices and software?

The production, acquisition or provision of devices and software designed or specially adapted for fraud would be punishable. The condition specified by the Government is the intention to use them to commit fraud.

Through these provisions, the authorities aim to be able to intervene at the stage when fraud is being prepared. According to the Government, the bill would thus expand the tools available to combat fraud involving cashless payment methods.

What investigative powers are provided for?

The authorities would receive additional powers to investigate these offences, including checking transactions and obtaining financial information. The Government specifies that these actions will be carried out in accordance with the law.

The measures presented form part of the bill amending the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, approved by the Government. They are described as proposed amendments, not as rules already in force.