Society

19 February, 2026 / 18:45

/ 4 hours ago

Arrest warrant for former leader of Moldovan Democratic Party extended by another 30 days

Vladimir Plahotniuc will remain in pre-trial detention for another 30 days, as he is being investigated in the Bank Fraud file. The decision today was issued by the magistrates of the Chisinau Court, Buiucani office.

The court fully upheld the motion submitted by the case prosecutor, Alexandru Cernei. The new term of the preventive measure will run from February 22 until March 24.

The former leader of the Moldovan Democratic Party (PDM), Vladimir Plahotniuc, did not appear at the hearing this time either, invoking health problems. He has also failed to appear at the last court hearings.

Presently, the trial in the Bank Fraud file is at the stage of hearing defense witnesses.

Additionally, the former leader of the Democrats will be investigated for document forgery in a new criminal case. It was initiated based on documents seized by Greek investigators from the house rented by Vladimir Plahotniuc in Athens, Greece. The documents show that he allegedly used multiple identities, with a total of 18 forged documents discovered.

Vladimir Plahotniuc has been in pre-trial detention since September 25, 2025, after being extradited from Greece, at which point the four arrest warrants issued in his name were enforced. He is currently held in Penitentiary No. 13 of Chisinau and is being investigated in four high-profile criminal cases, which concern, among other things, the establishment and leadership of a criminal organization, fraud, money laundering and bank fraud.

Comment

Latest News

Prime Minister orders mobilization of relevant institutions amid bad weather

UPDATE 10.10 // Truck traffic temporarily restricted at entry into country through Leușeni and Sculeni border crossing points

PHOTO // National Army servicemen attend multinational exercise Defence Cyber Marvel 2026

Moldova Post Office warns of possible delays for shipments to Italy during Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Students in several localities holding online classes today

Free Romanian language courses: MEC opened registration

Warning for drivers: restricted access for vehicles at border with Ukraine

Two localities in Vulcănești district cut off power supply

National Police of Moldova say Palanca, Tudora border crossing points be temporarily closed over weather conditions

Special measures because of weather in Moldova: schools of Chisinau to operate online on February 18

Pupils of Moldova may have online classes on February 18 over adverse weather

VIDEO // Moldovan Labour Ministry launches small grants programme in active ageing field

WEATHER UPDATE // Orange code for heavy precipitation, strong winds in south of Moldova

Women of Moldova earn by 16.6 per cent less than men: two extra months of work for the same income

Arrest warrant for former leader of Moldovan Democratic Party extended by another 30 days

MOLDPRES INTERVIEW // Rector of University from Romanian city says if someone overturns your history, national identity, it means you don’t have enough knowledge

Investors can submit bids for construction of large wind power plants including storage systems

Prime Minister in talks with 16 mayors of Chişinău suburbs

Government earmarked over 185 million lei for projects in capital’s suburbs

Electricity from storage systems reflected for first time in national energy system

Over 25,000 old home appliances recycled in 2025 through EcoVoucher Program

Deputy Prime Minister meets with new Ambassador of Cyprus

New member of Board of Directors of Deposit Guarantee Fund appointed today

VIDEO // Moldova opens gas market and abandons monopoly model: companies can choose own supplier as liberalization reshapes economy

Chisinau-based Eugen Doga International Airport operates as normal, as difficult weather conditions overcome

Fewer companies required to pay VAT: VAT registration threshold raised to 1.7 million lei

Parliamentary opposition submits simple motion against Ministry of Defence policies

PHOTO GALLERY // Dialogues on energy: images from Gas Market Liberalization Forum

VIDEO // Roadmen worked around clock across country: over 200 machines and thousands of tons of anti-skid material used following snowfall and blizzard

Romania approves construction of new bridge over Prut, Albita–Leuseni

See more