Moldovan authorities receive Interpol request in Vlad Filat's case

The authorities of Moldova have received an Interpol request concerning former Prime Minister Vlad Filat, with the document being forwarded to prosecutors for examination. The information was confirmed by Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin and Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari.

The justice minister said that the competent authority in France was expected to send the request, along with final criminal judgments, to Moldova.

“The Justice Ministry will verify compliance with the legal framework and international conventions, after which the case will be forwarded to the authorized court, which will decide on the enforcement of the sentence,” Cojuhari noted.

According to the official, the current legislation clearly regulates the procedure for recognizing and enforcing foreign criminal judgments.

The Interior minister noted that law-enforcers cannot detain the former prime minister unless based on a court decision or an order issued by a prosecutor.

Former Prime Minister Vlad Filat has been placed on the international wanted list by Interpol, based on a notice issued by the Interpol Central Bureau in Paris.

In early December, a court in France issued a decision sentencing Vlad Filat, in absentia, to two years in prison and a fine of 100,000 euros for money laundering in a corruption case.

Former Prime Minister Vlad Filat responded to this case, saying that the decision pronounced by the French court was not final. He added that the decision had been appealed, and “until all legal remedies are exhausted, it cannot have final legal effects.”

Under these conditions, the case cannot be transmitted to Moldova for recognition or enforcement as long as the legal procedures in France are ongoing, Vlad Filat emphasized, also referencing the presumption of innocence, which he stated “stays applicable.”

“As I have always done, I am present, not evading or avoiding any procedure. I exercise my legal rights openly and transparently,” the former prime minister added.