Plahotniuc, 59, denies any wrongdoing in the 2014-2015 “theft of the century” case, which saw a massive amount of money disappear from Moldovan banks. Public Domain
A Moldovan oligarch and former senior politician has been extradited from Greece accused of involvement in the theft of $1bn.
Vladimir Plahotniuc, 59, was flown from Athens to Chisinau on Thursday morning and then taken to a detention center in Moldova’s capital, local officials said.
Plahotniuc has denied any wrongdoing, saying allegations against him were based on “slander and political hatred.” He is the chief suspect in connection with the 2014 disappearance of $1 billion – a sum that then equaled roughly 12 percent of Moldova’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Before fleeing Moldova in 2019, he was the leader of the Democratic party, part of the governing coalition in 2016-2019. He served as deputy speaker of parliament, a powerful position in the government.
In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on Plahotniuc and six others for actions that it said destabilized and undermined the territorial integrity of Moldova and Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.
Greek police said Plahotniuc has lived in 22 countries since 2023. They arrested him at Athens airport after he boarded a plane to Dubai, acting on an Interpol notice which states that he held 16 passports, including from Romania, Mexico and Russia.
Russia, which says it wants Plahotniuc extradited there to face drugs-related charges, denies interfering in Moldova’s affairs.