A plot of land initially offered for free for the construction of a folklore center was transformed into a residential complex. An investigation by RISE Moldova shows that the project of the cultural-artistic association “Lautarii”, led by the deputy Nicolae Botgros, ended up including apartment blocks later sold to individuals unrelated to the artistic field, reports IPN.
According to the investigation, in 2007 the Government offered the association almost 30 acres of public land, near the Chisinau Railway Station, free of charge. The project envisaged the construction of an international folklore center “Lautarii”, with a music school, recording studio and spaces for artists. In 2016, the development of the project was carried out through a civil society contract with the Estate Invest Company, controlled by the family of former liberal MP Iurie Dirda.
Subsequently, the project concept was changed. In 2019, the Government amended the initial decision, allowing the construction of “residential spaces intended to motivate and support young talents”. Based on this amendment, the company obtained the permits for a multifunctional complex, with residential blocks and commercial spaces, later promoted under the name Estate Art Residence.
The investigation reveals that, in reality, the building intended for the socio-cultural center was transformed into a residential block. The six-story building with almost 1,500 square meters was fully returned to the “Lautarii” Association, and its value was estimated at over 1.2 million euros. Subsequently, the association began selling apartments before the completion of construction work.
RISE Moldova journalists have found that the beneficiaries of the homes have no connection with the “Lautarii” orchestra or the arts field. Among the buyers are people from various fields, including accountants, managers or employees of construction companies. In some cases, the apartments were resold shortly after purchase.
The conductor of the National Folk Music Orchestra “Lautarii”, Nicolae Botgros, became a deputy after the 2025 parliamentary elections on the lists of the Action and Solidarity Party. He is also the administrator of the cultural-artistic association “Lautarii”. According to RISE Moldova, journalists asked for his point of view on the real estate project, but did not receive a response until the investigation was published.
