Chisinau officially requested Plahotniuc's extradition

Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru provided details on the case of Vladimir Plahotniuc. She denied rumors that Moldovan authorities were delaying the extradition process of the former democratic leader from Greece, and announced that all steps had been taken in accordance with applicable legislation and international conventions.


“The authorities of the Republic of Moldova have diligently reported to the Greek authorities, requesting the immediate extradition of citizen Vladimir Plahotniuc. The person was detained on 22 July. On 24 July, the General Prosecutor's Office submitted the extradition request, and the Ministry of Justice submitted its own request on 4 August. Therefore, we firmly reject all accusations of delay or lack of involvement from the Moldovan authorities,” the minister said before the cabinet meeting.


The official explained that the extradition process is governed by the European Convention, which provides a deadline of up to 40 days from the moment of detention, in which authorities can officially present documentation, which must be accompanied by all justificatory acts, including translations according to the respective legislation.

She further stated that both the Ministry of Justice and the General Prosecutor's Office have competences in requesting extradition.


“Vladimir Plahotniuc was arrested, including on the basis of the warrant issued at the request of the General Prosecutor's Office. The extradition file is prepared according to all legal requirements, and Greece is the one to decide, based on its own procedures, the next steps. The Republic of Moldova has a positive experience of cooperation with Greek authorities regarding the extradition of persons. Each case is individual since the Greek authorities, like all other states, have the possibility of requesting additional documents,” added Mihailov-Moraru.


The minister's statement came in the context where Vladimir Plahotniuc's lawyer, Lucian Rogac, said that Chisinau authorities were unjustifiably delaying the extradition process.

Former democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc left the Republic of Moldova in June 2019. He was arrested on July 22 this year by the Greek authorities at Athens International Airport, while attempting to leave the country. About this fact, the General Prosecutor's Office was officially informed by the BNC Interpol Chisinau.

Subsequently, on July 23, an arrest warrant was issued for Vladimir Plahotniuc by the prosecutor at the Athens Court of Appeal - the competent court for this procedure. On July 24, the Prosecutor General's Office submitted the official extradition request to the Ministry of Justice in Greece, both directly and through diplomatic channels. The request is based on accusations of fraud and money laundering with aggravated circumstances, as well as on the establishment and leadership of a criminal organization.

Alongside Vladimir Plahotniuc, former deputy Constantin Tutu was also detained. A set of documents belonging to them was seized following body searches conducted at the airport and at the residence in Greece. The documents bore different identities, with some belonging to the same country.

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https://www.moldpres.md/rom/societate/video-primele-imagini-cu-vladimir-plahotniuc-si-constantin-tutu-adusi-in-fata-instantei-din-atena

https://www.moldpres.md/rom/societate/procuratura-generala-a-transmis-cererea-oficiala-de-extradare-pe-numele-lui-vladimir-plahotniuc