Mihai Sotchi

Mediator, AML Expert

Mihai is a mediator and an expert in anti-money laundering and financial legal matters. He stands out for his punctuality, perseverance, and a responsible approach to risk management. Dedicated and rigorous, he addresses challenges through innovative methods grounded in thorough analysis of data and the legislative framework.

Education

2011–2014

Academy of Economic Studies

Faculty of Finance and Banking

2010–2012

Academy of Sciences of Moldova

Master's Degree in National Security

2006–2010

Moldova State University

Faculty of Law

Specialization

✓AML & KYC – Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer ↗

✓Insurance Law ↗

✓Sports Law ↗

✓Mediation ↗

Experience

•2025-present – Mediator
•2024-2025 – Expert in Asset Recovery of Criminal Property, GIZ
•2021-present – Expert in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Corruption, "Soțchi & Partners"
•2020-2021 – Deputy General Director, Public Property Agency
•2020 – Head of Institutional Management Section, Anti-Money Laundering Department, National Anticorruption Center (NAC)
•2018-2020 – Senior Specialist, AML, NAC
•2014-2018 – Investigation Officer, AML, NAC
•2013-2014 – Member of the Delegation of the Republic of Moldova to the MONEYVAL Committee, Council of Europe
•2013-2014 – Head of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Service, National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM)
•2010-2013 - Legal Advisor, NCFM

Relevant Experience

•Participation in the drafting of Law no. 308/2017 “On The Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing”

•Drafting of secondary regulatory framework for the implementation of the provisions of Law no. 308/2017 "On the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing"

•Participation in the 5th evaluation round of the Republic of Moldova by the MONEYVAL Committee and completion of the questionnaires required for the actual evaluation

•Participation in international meetings of the competent authorities responsible for the recovery of criminal assets, organized by the Council of Europe

• Participation in the International Conference on the Implementation of Beneficial Ownership Identification Policies, organized by the Council of Europe

•Participation in the international meeting on the development of the regulatory framework for the implementation of sanctions in the field of prevention and combating of money laundering and terrorism financing, held in Poland as part of the Twinning project

•Participation in the International Conference on the Implementation of International Sanctions in the Field of Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, organized by the European Commission

•Holds a specialist certificate in the field of securities since 2014

•Drafting the Law on amending the procedures for monitoring public-private partnerships and the procedures for denationalization and privatization with the aim of strengthening the public interest

Recent publications by Mihai Sotchi

MediationJun 29, 2026

Confirmation of a mediation settlement. Limits of judicial review in recent case law

A mediation settlement does not become enforceable automatically; it must be confirmed by the court under the Civil Procedure Code. Recent case law shows that courts conduct an effective review of the legality, clarity and evidentiary basis of the obligations assumed by the parties. This article examines the main grounds on which Moldovan courts have refused to confirm mediation settlements, particularly where claims are unclear, insufficiently documented or may affect third-party rights.

AML & KYC – Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your CustomerMar 30, 2026

Real KYC versus formal KYC: when internal policy is no longer enough

In practice, many companies limit themselves to a formal KYC, i.e. adopting internal policies, collecting documents and filling out forms, without actually applying them. This model only produces the appearance of compliance, without ensuring real control over risks. In contrast, a real KYC involves an ongoing process: correctly identifying the customer and the beneficial owner, assessing risks, periodically updating data, monitoring transactions and keeping evidence that justifies the decisions made.