On 13 March 2012, after 2011 presidential elections in Transnistria when Igor Smirnov lost power, the Transnistrian authorities arrested Ionova on charges of embezzlement of state property, illegal business practices, abuse of power and forgery. It was reported that during search of her villa police exempted her collection of golden coins and gold bars.
On March 13, 2012, following the 2011 presidential elections in Transnistria where Igor Smirnov lost his position, the authorities arrested Ionova on charges related to embezzlement, illegal business practices, abuse of power, and forgery. It was reported that during a search of her villa, police exempted her collection of golden coins and gold bars.