Bank Fraud case: Vladimir Plahotniuc to deliver speech at judicial debate

Former leader of the Democrats Vladimir Plahotniuc appeared today before the court to deliver a speech at the judicial debates in the “Bank Fraud” case. In this case, prosecutors are requesting the maximum sentence of 25 years for the ex-leader of the Democrats.

Vladimir Plahotniuc emphasized that, during the period in which he was absent from court hearings, he was preparing to deliver his speech before the judges, without seeking to delay the examination of the case.

“Today I will present evidence and episodes that have not been disclosed until now. These are to be examined and taken into consideration by the court. I reiterate that I did not benefit from any financial resources as a result of the bank fraud,” said Vladimir Plahotniuc.

The Bank Fraud case, in which Vladimir Plahotniuc is being investigated, is at the stage of final pleadings. In this case, prosecutors have requested for the ex-leader of the Democrats a sentence of up to 25 years in prison in a closed-type penitentiary. He is accused of fraud, money laundering, and creating and leading a criminal organization. Additionally, besides the Bank Fraud case, Vladimir Plahotniuc is being investigated for document forgery in a new criminal proceeding. This was initiated recently on the basis of documents seized by Greek investigators from the house that the ex-leader of the Democrats was renting in Athens, Greece. The documents show that he allegedly used multiple identities, with a total of 18 false documents being 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 in Chișinău.