Arms bound for Israel seized at Romania-Moldova border PHOTO

On the night of November 19, a truck transporting rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, and other weapons was intercepted at the Leușeni-Albița border crossing between Moldova and Romania. According to the customs documents presented, the declared final destination was Israel, while the cargo was listed as scrap metal.

MediaFAX.ro reports that the truck aroused suspicion from a Moldovan customs officer, who then informed Romanian colleagues of the need for a thorough inspection.

During the scanning of the vehicle, authorities discovered a substantial quantity of weapons and missile systems. The driver, who attempted to transport the arms into Romania, is a Moldovan citizen. An investigation has been launched to determine the actual destination and intended recipients of the weapons.

The truck reportedly carried 18 portable anti-tank missiles, eight anti-tank rocket launchers, a portable air defence system, and drone parts.

In the accompanying documents, the cargo was declared as scrap metal. The weapons had been wrapped in metal foil and fabric and packed in wooden crates.

Authorities are investigating the possibility that the 37-year-old Moldovan citizen transporting the weapons is a member of a cross-border organised criminal group specialising in smuggling arms and ammunition to Israel. The investigation is being conducted by Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT).

By Tamilla Hasanova