Bulgaria to investigate alleged citizenship held by Vladimir Plahotniuc

Bulgarian authorities will initiate an investigation into the alleged false citizenship used by former democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc, who was detained on Tuesday at Dinadena airport in Greece. Prime Minister of Bulgaria Rossen Jeliazkov said in Chișinău that institutions in his country will carefully examine the circumstances under which identity documents were issued in the names 'Mihail Tauanci' and later 'Mihail Taucianu'.


'If you allow me, I have become acquainted with this case in connection with my visit here in the Republic of Moldova. From what we know so far and the data we have, it concerns a person who, in 2001–2004, applied for identity documents under other names. In 2006, documents were issued despite the security authority's decision. This verification is now being conducted in the National Court to determine if it is a false identity,' he said.


Jeliazkov emphasized that 'the oligarchic infrastructures created are the straightest and most direct way to carry out Russian propaganda and influence the normal functioning in society' and promised that Bulgaria will cooperate closely with authorities from the Republic of Moldova and Greece.


'It is an international case, it is not just about an identity document. We will ensure to investigate thoroughly, as it concerns not just Bulgaria but also the Republic of Moldova and Greece,' concluded the Bulgarian official.


Recently, the Moldovan Police announced that Vladimir Plahotniuc holds 21 fake documents, including those issued by Bulgarian authorities. According to information published by the IGP, Plahotniuc has a passport, issued on July 4, 2024, in the name of Taushanov Mihail and a driver's license issued on January 16, 2023, in the same name, both documents being issued by Bulgarian authorities.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean declared today that Vladimir Plahotniuc will be brought to the Republic of Moldova, where he will serve his sentence. The official emphasized that Moldovan authorities are actively collaborating with international partners for his extradition and criminal accountability.


	
Premier Dorin Recean about detention of Vladimir Plahotniuc in Greece


The former democratic leader Vladimir Plahotiniuc and former deputy Constantin Țuțu were detained on Tuesday, July 22, at Athens International Airport while attempting to fly to Dubai. The operation was carried out as part of an international effort, with both under Interpol's red alert.


	
Vladimir Plahotniuc detained in Greece: 17 fake passports, 155,000 euros in cash and luxury villa in Saronida


The General Prosecutor's Office sent the extradition request for Vladimir Plahotniuc to the Greek authorities on Thursday. He is being criminally investigated in the Republic of Moldova for committing serious offenses, including creating and leading a criminal organization, particularly large-scale fraud, and money laundering.


	
General Prosecutor's Office sent official extradition request for Vladimir Plahotniuc


Plahotniuc is being investigated in the Republic of Moldova for involvement in the 'heist of the century'—the disappearance of over USD 1 billion from the banking system in 2014-2015. Authorities accuse him of bank fraud, money laundering, and creating or leading a criminal organization. Simultaneously, the Russian Federation has also made an extradition request, but Moldovan authorities consider that Chișinău's request will take precedence.