The case of Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, who was arrested at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport earlier this week on an international warrant issued by his home country, is apparently turning into a legal thriller after Russia also requested his extradition.
The 59-year-old is wanted by Moldova on charges of embezzling upwards of one billion USD from three state-owned banks between 2012 and 2014. The former political leader and top lawmaker was arrested on Tuesday. Hours later a second extradition notice was conveyed to Greek authorities by Moscow.
According to local media on Friday, the Russian authorities accuse Plahotniuc of planning to assassinate a political opponent, a Russian citizen and the leader of Moldova’s pro-Russian “Our Party.” According to the Russian warrant, the 59-year-old’s plan fizzled out because the hired assassins were arrested for their involvement in another case.
Russian authorities also accuse Plahotniuc of participating in a criminal ring that trafficked processed cannabis from Spain to Russia.
According to the same reports, within 40 days both Moldova and Russia must convey a complete case file with the evidence supporting their extradition requests in order for an Athens appeals court to render a ruling.
The final approval of any extradition lies with the relevant justice minister.