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Former democratic leader could be brought back to Moldova in coming weeks

Former Democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc could be brought back to the Republic of Moldova in the coming weeks. The announcement was made exclusively to MOLDPRES by Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP).

The IGP head said that up until now, he has not received any notification or acceptance from the Greek authorities on the matter.

He noted that once the official notification from the Ministry of Justice in Greece is received, the authorities will have 30 days to ensure extradition.

Cernăuțeanu added that law enforcers have already started the process of identifying transport routes, sending requests to several airline companies. The extradition is expected to be carried out via a direct flight and under strict security conditions.

He explained that along with the former Democratic leader, the confiscated assets are also expected to arrive in Moldova.


“The Greek institutions will transfer the person and all confiscated assets to the Republic of Moldova. Then follows the identification procedure,” the official stated.


Cernăuțeanu said that once in the country, Plahotniuc would be taken over by prosecutors and subsequently, placed in prison.

In late August, the Athens Court of Appeal accepted the Moldovan authorities' requests regarding Plahotniuc’s extradition. Today, his lawyer, Lucian Rogac, announced that the Greek Ministry of Justice has approved the extradition of the former Democratic leader.

Plahotniuc was detained on July 22 in Athens, along with former Democrat Constantin Țuțu. He is accused in several criminal cases, including creating and leading a criminal organization, fraud and money laundering.