Moldovan PM says Vladimir Plahotniuc no longer has any influence in Moldova, judiciary's task to judge him fairly

The former leader pf the Moldovan Democratic Party (PDM), Vladimir Plahotniuc, no longer has any influence in Moldova and Moldovan judges are expected to judge him fairly after extradition. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has commented on the potential risks of Plahotniuc being declared not guilty in Moldovan courts. "He no longer controls many things in Moldova and does not control the judiciary," Recean stated at a show on ONE TV.

The PM emphasized that Plahotniuc was in jail in Greece after fleeing the country for six years:

"He is now to be brought in handcuffs to Moldova and it is the judiciary's task to enforce the law and what is necessary is to judge him fairly, according to the law, and we know that he is a criminal."

Recean also said that his bravado on Facebook does not change the reality – in Moldova, he has no control.

"So... he is to be extradited and judged according to the law. Today, Vladimir Plahotniuc has no longer any influence in Moldova," Recean stressed.

At the same time, the prime minister emphasized that the extradition and trial process for Vladimir Plahotniuc should have no connection with the parliamentary elections due in next autumn:

"The extradition, trial and imprisonment of Plahotniuc should have nothing to do with the elections. This should be a process of holding accountable the criminals who have stolen and abused in Moldova. We must view it as a normal process; the law should be at the forefront," the prime minister underlined.

The Court of Appeals in Athens (Greece) examined two additional extradition requests submitted by Moldovan authorities on August 28 and Plahotniuc was brought in handcuffs to the courtroom for hearing.

President Maia Sandu stressed that the extradition should cover all charges and warned that, if this case fails, citizens will no longer trust judicial institutions "for at least the next 10 years."

 

Vladimir Plahotniuc was arrested in Greece on July 22, 2025, after six years of evading Moldovan authorities. The first extradition warrant was approved by the Athens Court of Appeals on August 13.

Subsequently, additional requests were sent for other charges, which were examined on August 28.

The extradition requests from Moldovan authorities for Vladimir Plahotniuc are based on charges of fraud and money laundering with aggravating circumstances, as well as the creation and leadership of a criminal organization.