Society

01 September, 2026 / 08:20

/ 09 February, 2026

One-billion-dollar theft file: former Moldovan Democratic Party's leader to appear before judges on February 12

The former Democratic Party’s (PDM) leader, Vladimir Plahotniuc, is due to appear before the court on February 12, in order to give statements in the file known as one-billion-dollar theft. The lawyer of Plahotniuc, Lucian Rogac, made statements to this effect at a today’s hearing. Also today, prosecutors requested that documents confirming the costs of Plahotniuc’s extradition from Greece, estimated at approximately 100,000 lei and expected to be covered by the defendant, should be attached the file.

According to the defense lawyer, Plahotniuc was initially supposed to be heard on February 10, but he did not manage to prepare in time for that date. Rogac specified that the former PDM leader was in the process of preparing his statements and would be present at the hearing on February 12.

At today’s session, the judges heard the last witness for the defense – Grigore Olar, the liquidator of the former Savings Bank of Moldova (Banca de Economii a Moldovei). The hearing took place via videoconference, as he is currently hospitalized.

At the same time, Plahotniuc’s defense announced its intention to request additional hearings of more witnesses, while the prosecutor in charge of the case described this move as an attempt to delay the proceedings.

Vladimir Plahotniuc was detained in Greece on 22 July 2025 and extradited to Moldova on 25 September 2025. He is currently being held in pre-trial detention at Penitentiary No. 13 of Chisinau and is under investigation in four high-profile criminal cases, which concern, among other things, the establishment and leadership of a criminal organization, fraud, money laundering and bank fraud.

Comment

Latest News

PHOTO GALLERY // Moldova’s leadership pays tribute to heroes, lays flowers on Independence Day

UPDATE // Drone found near Basarabeasca settlement of Moldova had no explosives

VIDEO // Moldova’s leadership lays flowers at Monument to Stephen the Great and Holy, marking 35 years of Independence

Ukrainian Intelligence Service: Moldovan citizen reportedly recruited by Russian Army after Russian authorities ordered is expulsion

VIDEO // Moldovan leadership pays tribute to heroes fallen in War for Independence

Five drones fly unauthorized over airspace of Moldova

Moldova celebrates 35 years since proclamation of Independence; Presidents of Romania, Ukraine expected in Chisinau

VIDEO // Ioana Vatamanu-Margineanu, in hall where her grandparents voted for Independence: “Moldova lives through our time”

VIDEO // Teachers’ salaries to increase by up to 25 per cent as of January 1, 2027; Moldovan education minister announces monthly payments of one thousand lei until then

Aerial object unauthorisedly flies over territory of Moldova via Palanca, exits toward Ukraine

Traffic temporarily restricted in centre of Moldova's capital during events dedicated to Independence Day

All drone flights banned in Chisinau on August 27; warnings of Moldova's Civil Aviation Authority

“The Independence That Unites Us. Moldova-35.” Metropolitans Antonie, Vladimir open to dialogue between two Orthodox Churches of Moldova

VIDEO // Prime Minister invited citizens to attend events on Independence Day

Romanian Language Day celebrated in Chișinău through Great National Dictation and cultural events

BTA: Javor Gardev’s Production of Euripides’ “The Bacchae” Returns to Athens with Performance at Lycabettus Theatre

PHOTO GALLERY // “Serenades in Butuceni”: Story of concert told through pictures

Moldova's airspace unauthorisedly overflown following Russian attacks on Ukraine

Gold for Moldova at Ne-Waza European Judo Championships

MFA: Russia’s opening of 16 polling stations in Transnistrian region without Chisinau’s consent unacceptable

Local Product // Speaker urges citizens to buy local products

PHOTO // Dedication Day with guests of honor in Ungheni

BTA: Javor Gardev’s Production of Euripides’ “The Bacchae” Staged at Ancient Theatre in Dion

PHOTO // National record in Chișinău: Milina – largest sour cherry pie in Moldova

Fewer unemployed in Moldova: Over 4,800 people found jobs

Moldovan National Social Insurance House funds first installment of pensions, social benefits for next September

PHOTO GALLERY // Local Product 2026

Over 7,000 tons of fuel imported in Moldova in last two days; energy minister says volumes allow for gradual replenishment of stocks, resupply of filling stations

Moldova's Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy to hold welcome ceremony for first-year students

BTA: Ukrainian Теnor Mykhailo Malafii Wins The Voice of Kamen Competition in Ruse

See more