She pleaded not guilty, but the court found that the actions constitute a crime: 750 lei for voters from her locality to vote in favor of the "Victory" bloc.

In the context of the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on October 20, 2024, Elena Mutruc, acting as an executor, allegedly offered and gave sums of money (750 lei each) to several voters from her place of residence, with the aim of persuading them to exercise their right to vote in favor of the political party "Victory".

The accused did not admit her guilt; however, the court, analyzing the entirety of the evidence presented, found that her actions met the elements of the crime of electoral bribery as provided by art. 181¹ para. (1) of the Penal Code.

First instance: Conviction
Appeal: Appeal dismissed as unfounded; the conviction sentence upheld.

The court found the defendant guilty based on a set of corroborated evidence, including witness statements, materials seized during the search, and information extracted from the mobile phone, which confirm the offering and giving of money for electoral purposes. The formal nature of the crime provided for in Article 181¹ paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code was emphasized, as it was committed by the mere offering or giving of money, without the need for a concrete result or acceptance by the voter.

The court critically assessed the statements of the defendant and some witnesses during the hearing, giving precedence to the statements made during the criminal investigation phase, which were considered more credible and supported by objective evidence. At the same time, it rejected the defense regarding the lack of constitutive elements of the crime, noting the existence of direct intent and the special purpose of influencing the vote.

In individualizing the punishment, the court took into account the lack of criminal record, the personal situation of the defendant, and the relatively low severity of the act, considering the imposition of a monetary fine sufficient. The case reflects a form of electoral corruption carried out through small amounts, but which affects the integrity of the electoral process and trust in the free exercise of the right to vote. The appellate court confirmed these findings, rejecting the appeal as unfounded and maintaining the sentence without changes.