Head of state says Moldovan justice has no excuse any longer in Vladimir Plahotniuc's case, justice must be served

The detention of Vladimir Plahotniuc is good news, and the authorities of Moldova will exert every effort to secure the extradition of the former leader of the Moldovan Democratic Party (PDM), involved in the 'billion-dollar theft' case. President Maia Sandu has given assurances to this end, emphasizing that the Moldovan justice has no excuse to delay the cases any longer and that ‘’justice must be served.’’ The statements were made in an interview given with a media portal of Moldova.

‘’The arrest is good news; finally, after six years of searches and attempts. As for  the extradition, state institutions have not been informed about his agreement to be extradited to Moldova, at least until today morning, when I was informed. I can't say everything I think about this topic, because the person's lawyers could use my statements to try to stop the extradition in court. But I think it's safe to say that justice must be served, and I've said this before. I'm sure our institutions will do everything to make the extradition happen,’’ the head of state said.

Maia Sandu reminded that a criminal case against Vladimir Plahotniuc had been  opened only in 2019, although the bank fraud began to be investigated much earlier.

‘’The Moldovan justice has no reason now to delay the cases indefinitely. Justice must be served after so many years, after such a long wait, after 10 years of investigating the billion-dollar theft. I was reviewing the history of these investigations today, and even though the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and some prosecutors boast of investigating the case for a long time, as late as in 2019 a criminal case opened against Plahotniuc, even though the bank fraud began to be investigated back in 2015 or 2016. There are many question marks and many answers that need to be got from the responsible people - both in the Prosecutor's Office and in the courts. But, I repeat, all efforts must be made for the extradition to take place, and those responsible in the Prosecutor's Office and Justice have no excuse any longer. They must ensure justice,’’ the president pointed out.

At the same time, Maia Sandu dismissed the existence of a conspiracy aimed at detaining Plahotniuc, in order to bring him back into Moldovan politics. She suggested that the former PDM leader might have supporters in Moscow trying to help him escape justice.

'Of course, his team will try to launch all sorts of insinuations, claiming that he actually wanted to be caught. I don't believe, really don't believe, that he wanted to be in prison. But it's clear that his team will try to spread all kinds of stories, and his friend in Moscow will do everything he can - he already is - to help him. The extradition request from Moscow also came through that friend. It is clear that the partners in crime are trying to help each other,’’ the head of state also said.

The Prosecutor Prosecutor's Office confirmed this evening that Vlad Plahotniuc submitted on July 29, to the court in Athens, a request expressing his agreement to be extradited to Moldova, although his lawyer had announced that this request was filed yesterday. Lucian Rogac represents Plahotniuc in the 'billion-dollar theft' case - the only case that has reached the court in the Republic of Moldova. In other cases still under investigation, Plahotniuc is accused of creating a criminal organization, fraud, money laundering and abuse of power.

 

 

The extradition request made by the Moldovan authorities is currently being examined by the Court of Appeal in Athens, which is simultaneously analyzing a similar request from the Russian Federation. In Russia, Vladimir Plahotniuc is involved in two criminal cases for attempted murder - including the alleged ordering of the assassination of politician Renato Usatii - and international drug trafficking, crimes for which he risks life imprisonment.

Authorities in Bucharest have opened a criminal case following the discovery of false documents (identity documents, driver's licenses) carried by Plahotniuc when he was detained in Greece.

The former Democratic leader and a former MP, Constantin Tutu, were detained at the Athens International Airport on July 22, while trying to fly to Dubai. The operation was the result of international cooperation, both being under a red alert issued by Interpol.