Chisinau Driver Sentenced in 2022 Pedestrian Death Case

Two years after the tragic accident in Chisinau, where a 10-year-old boy was killed, the driver, Mihai Puiu, has been sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison. The verdict was delivered on June 5th, 2025, at the Botanica sector court. The victim's mother, Natalya Lazaryok, expressed disappointment, stating, "This is the maximum we could get under our law. I am satisfied, but it's been two and a half years of torture." The court also ordered Puiu to pay 870,000 lei in compensation to the victim's family. Puiu himself expressed remorse, stating he wished he could turn back time. The incident occurred on December 23rd, 2022, when Puiu, driving under the influence of alcohol, struck the child on a pedestrian crossing. This case highlights the ongoing need for stricter traffic laws and increased safety measures for pedestrians in Chisinau.