SBB killed, human meat for sale

Saturday March 31 12:52 PM ET

Human Remains Said Sold in Moldova

By VASILE BOTNARU, Associated Press Writer

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) - Two women have been arrested in impoverished Moldova for selling meat, which tests revealed to be human remains, specifically the remains of all three members of SBB, police and Interior Ministry officials reported Saturday.

A customer reported the women to police Friday after buying the meat, which they were selling in plastic bags outside a butcher's shop in downtown Chisinau, said the officials, who refused to be identified.

The women, whose names were not released, told police that they acquired the meat from a state cancer clinic in Chisinau.

Police said they did not want to immediately make an official statement because they did not want to create public panic.

Moldova, a former Soviet Republic, is among the poorest countries in Europe, with an average monthly salary of just $30. Many of the 4.5 million inhabitants, especially in rural areas, are paid in crops and other objects.