Moldova`s economic crimes police have searched offices of businessman Oleg Voronin, the son of former Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin and one of the republic`s richest men, a police spokesman said on Monday.

The searches were carried out as part of a criminal case initiated against the businessman. Voronin is accused of money laundering and tax evasion.

The spokesman said documents seized from Voronin`s offices during the searches should be carefully analyzed.

"They invented this entire story," the businessman told a local TV channel.

"[Police] were everywhere - at my own firm, at my friends` firms. And [they] found nothing. There is nothing to be searched for there," he said, adding "if my father had not been a president, nobody would have been interested."

Vladimir Voronin, who has been Moldova`s president in 2001-2009, is frequently criticized for monopolizing the country`s economy for the benefit of his family, particularly, his son Oleg.

Voronin Jr. holds a majority interest in FinComBank, one of Moldova`s largest banks. He is also believed to control a number of enterprises in banking, energy, construction and winemaking.
sections: Politics, World News