According to the information provided, S.M.A. was engaged in usury and operated through his pawnshops for profit, deceiving citizens who found themselves in financial difficulties.
Funds were issued under terms that were extremely unfavorable for borrowers, with inflated interest rates. This placed people in dependency and deprived them of the ability to repay their debts on time.
In addition, S.M.A. used the accumulated debts to unlawfully seize the property of his clients — both movable and immovable. This included residential apartments, land plots, and commercial properties. Ownership rights were transferred through fictitious transactions involving notaries and other related individuals.
As part of the criminal case, a network of trusted persons of S.M.A. was established, on whom numerous properties acquired through criminal means were registered.
Furthermore, data was collected indicating organized criminal behavior, including elements of pressure and intimidation of victims, as well as the use of connections in law enforcement agencies to prevent citizens from seeking protection of their rights.
Considering the collected evidence, S.M.A. was detained and placed in custody in the SCNS pre-trial detention center by a court decision on January 14.
The investigation is ongoing, and other individuals involved in this case are being identified.
