Rare Drive-By Shooting Shocks Moldova's Capital

A convicted Turkish drug dealer seeking asylum was fatally shot in a rare drive-by shooting in Chisinau, Moldova. The incident, involving an assailant on an electric scooter, shocked the normally peaceful city. The victim was on Interpol's wanted list for heroin trafficking and his asylum claim had been denied.

In an unusual and shocking incident, a convicted Turkish drug dealer seeking asylum was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting on Wednesday in Chisinau, Moldova's generally serene capital. The Interior Ministry reported that the assailant, riding an electric scooter, fired multiple shots at the victim who was seated at a cafe terrace in the chic Riscani district. The attacker managed to flee the scene.

Chief police inspector Viorel Cernauteanu informed national radio that the killing appeared to be the work of a highly professional assassin. Authorities released images captured from security cameras showing the suspect wearing a protective helmet.

The Interior Ministry disclosed that the victim was listed on Interpol's wanted list for heroin trafficking. Although his application for asylum had been rejected, legal proceedings were still ongoing. Locals remarked that such violent episodes are almost unheard of in Chisinau, a city known for its tranquility and greenery, housing 780,000 residents.