Latest news with #VladimirPlahotniuc
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Detained magnate Plahotniuc willing to be extradited to Moldova, lawyer says
CHISINAU, Moldova (Reuters) -Moldovan business magnate Vladimir Plahotniuc, detained in Greece on a warrant linked to a landmark $1 billion fraud case, is willing to be extradited to Moldova, his lawyer said on Monday. Plahotniuc, a former lawmaker and considered one of Moldova's richest men, is one of the chief suspects in Moldova's "theft of the century", the disappearance in 2013 of $1 billion from the Moldovan banking system -- the equivalent at the time of 12% of the ex-Soviet state's GDP. He has denied any wrongdoing. "My client has officially agreed to extradition to Moldova," lawyer Lucian Rogac told reporters. He said Plahotniuc was "ready to cooperate with international judicial bodies" and any final decision on extradition procedures lay with Greek authorities. Plahotniuc, in a statement later issued on newly opened social media accounts, said he intended to publish "important information" about himself and the situation in Moldova. Plahotniuc, 59, who fled Moldova in 2019, was arrested last week at the Athens airport while on his way to Dubai. He has denied wrongdoing. An Interpol red notice was issued against him based on accusations that include participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and fraud. Interpol had issued a wanted notice for him in February. According to a Greek police official, Russia had also requested Plahotniuc's arrest and extradition. Plahotniuc, a dual Moldovan and Russian national, is sought by Russia for allegedly orchestrating the attempted murder of a political rival in Moldova around 2014, according to a document seen by Reuters. He was later linked to a criminal gang smuggling drugs from Morocco to Spain and Russia, the document said. Greek police said that since 2023, Plahotniuc has lived in 22 countries, changing residence regularly to avoid detection. A police investigation found that Plahotniuc and a partner were living in a villa in the Athens suburbs. Plahotniuc was the leader of Moldova's Democratic party from 2016-2019, part of the governing coalition at the time, and served as deputy speaker of parliament. While in office, he wielded great influence over the police, judiciary and courts. In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on seven people from Moldova, including Plahotniuc, for actions that it said destabilised and undermined the territorial integrity of Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine. Solve the daily Crossword
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Detained magnate Plahotniuc willing to be extradited to Moldova, lawyer says
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova Vladimir Plahotniuc delivers a speech during a rally demanding a creation of parliament coalition, in Chisinau, Moldova June 9, 2019. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo CHISINAU, Moldova - Moldovan business magnate Vladimir Plahotniuc, detained in Greece on a warrant linked to a landmark $1 billion fraud case, is willing to be extradited to Moldova, his lawyer said on Monday. Plahotniuc, a former lawmaker and considered one of Moldova's richest men, is one of the chief suspects in Moldova's "theft of the century", the disappearance in 2013 of $1 billion from the Moldovan banking system -- the equivalent at the time of 12% of the ex-Soviet state's GDP. He has denied any wrongdoing. "My client has officially agreed to extradition to Moldova," lawyer Lucian Rogac told reporters. He said Plahotniuc was "ready to cooperate with international judicial bodies" and any final decision on extradition procedures lay with Greek authorities. Plahotniuc, in a statement later issued on newly opened social media accounts, said he intended to publish "important information" about himself and the situation in Moldova. Plahotniuc, 59, who fled Moldova in 2019, was arrested last week at the Athens airport while on his way to Dubai. He has denied wrongdoing. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Cambodia, Thailand agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole: Road recovery works progressing steadily, tests under way Singapore ST Explains: What we know about the Tanjong Katong sinkhole so far Singapore Foreign workers who rescued woman from sinkhole given tokens of appreciation Sport Gan Ching Hwee breaks 2 national records, qualifies for World Aquatics C'ships 1,500m final Asia Gunman kills 5 near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Business SIA Q1 profit falls 59%; airline group sees volatile times ahead Singapore Man exposed daughter's identity despite court order after she was removed from his care An Interpol red notice was issued against him based on accusations that include participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and fraud. Interpol had issued a wanted notice for him in February. According to a Greek police official, Russia had also requested Plahotniuc's arrest and extradition. Plahotniuc, a dual Moldovan and Russian national, is sought by Russia for allegedly orchestrating the attempted murder of a political rival in Moldova around 2014, according to a document seen by Reuters. He was later linked to a criminal gang smuggling drugs from Morocco to Spain and Russia, the document said. Greek police said that since 2023, Plahotniuc has lived in 22 countries, changing residence regularly to avoid detection. A police investigation found that Plahotniuc and a partner were living in a villa in the Athens suburbs. Plahotniuc was the leader of Moldova's Democratic party from 2016-2019, part of the governing coalition at the time, and served as deputy speaker of parliament. While in office, he wielded great influence over the police, judiciary and courts. In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on seven people from Moldova, including Plahotniuc, for actions that it said destabilised and undermined the territorial integrity of Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine. REUTERS
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Moldova seeks extradition of business magnate Plahotniuc held in Greece
Leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova Vladimir Plahotniuc delivers a speech during a rally demanding a creation of parliament coalition, in Chisinau, Moldova June 9, 2019. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldovan authorities said on Thursday they launched extradition proceedings for Moldovan business magnate Vladimir Plahotniuc, detained in Greece on a warrant related to a fraud case over the disappearance of $1 billion from banks in the ex-Soviet state. Plahotniuc, former leader of a small political party, was arrested on Tuesday at the Athens airport while on his way to Dubai. He has denied wrongdoing. An Interpol red notice was issued against him based on accusations that include participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and fraud. He is accused in connection with the disappearance of $1 billion from Moldovan banks in 2014 known as the "theft of the century." The sum equalled 12% of Moldova's gross domestic product at the time. "The prosecutor's office expresses its conviction that ... Greek authorities will agree to the request for the purpose of bringing to account the person being sought," Moldova's general prosecutor's office said. Moldovan media said this week that Russia was also seeking Plahotniuc's extradition in connection with drugs offences. Viorel Cernauteanu, head of Moldova's general police inspectorate, said the Moldovan request would get priority treatment as Chisinau had actively sought his arrest. Plahotniuc was expected to appear before a Greek prosecutor on Friday. Since 2023, Plahotniuc has lived in 22 countries, changing residence regularly to avoid detection, Greek police said. A police investigation found that Plahotniuc was living with his partner in a luxurious villa in the Athens suburbs. Plahotniuc, 59, was the leader of the Democratic party from 2016-2019, part of the governing coalition at the time, and served as deputy speaker of parliament. While in office, he wielded great influence over the police, judiciary and courts. The scandal around the fraud case has had long-lasting reverberations. Moldova's central bank chief was removed in 2023 after failed attempts to recover the lost money. In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on seven people from Moldova, including Plahotniuc, for actions that it said destabilised and undermined the territorial integrity of Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Additional reporting by Renee Maltezou in Athens, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Moldova seeks extradition of business magnate Plahotniuc held in Greece
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova Vladimir Plahotniuc delivers a speech during a rally demanding a creation of parliament coalition, in Chisinau, Moldova June 9, 2019. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo CHISINAU - Moldovan authorities said on Thursday they launched extradition proceedings for Moldovan business magnate Vladimir Plahotniuc, detained in Greece on a warrant related to a fraud case over the disappearance of $1 billion from banks in the ex-Soviet state. Plahotniuc, former leader of a small political party, was arrested on Tuesday at the Athens airport while on his way to Dubai. He has denied wrongdoing. An Interpol red notice was issued against him based on accusations that include participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and fraud. He is accused in connection with the disappearance of $1 billion from Moldovan banks in 2014 known as the "theft of the century." The sum equalled 12% of Moldova's gross domestic product at the time. "The prosecutor's office expresses its conviction that ... Greek authorities will agree to the request for the purpose of bringing to account the person being sought," Moldova's general prosecutor's office said. Moldovan media said this week that Russia was also seeking Plahotniuc's extradition in connection with drugs offences. Viorel Cernauteanu, head of Moldova's general police inspectorate, said the Moldovan request would get priority treatment as Chisinau had actively sought his arrest. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia 11 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Asia Singapore urges all parties in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute to exercise restraint Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Life Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into a billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71 Singapore Avoid water activities around Tuas Second Link, Raffles Marina after chemical tank accident: NEA Singapore Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp Singapore Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool Singapore Primary 1 registration: 29 schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2B Plahotniuc was expected to appear before a Greek prosecutor on Friday. Since 2023, Plahotniuc has lived in 22 countries, changing residence regularly to avoid detection, Greek police said. A police investigation found that Plahotniuc was living with his partner in a luxurious villa in the Athens suburbs. Plahotniuc, 59, was the leader of the Democratic party from 2016-2019, part of the governing coalition at the time, and served as deputy speaker of parliament. While in office, he wielded great influence over the police, judiciary and courts. The scandal around the fraud case has had long-lasting reverberations. Moldova's central bank chief was removed in 2023 after failed attempts to recover the lost money. In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on seven people from Moldova, including Plahotniuc, for actions that it said destabilised and undermined the territorial integrity of Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine. REUTERS
Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Greek police arrest Moldovan tycoon Plahotniuc on Interpol notice
FILE PHOTO: Leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova Vladimir Plahotniuc delivers a speech during a rally demanding a creation of parliament coalition, in Chisinau, Moldova June 9, 2019. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo ATHENS - Greek police have arrested a Moldovan tycoon and a former political leader wanted for allegedly participating in a criminal organisation, money laundering and fraud, police said on Tuesday. Vladimir Plahotniuc, considered one of Moldova's richest men and a former lawmaker, was arrested at the Athens airport on an Interpol notice on Monday evening. He has been accused in connection with a $1 billion fraud against Moldovan banks in 2014-2015, a case known locally as the "theft of the century". He has denied wrongdoing. Police also arrested former Moldovan lawmaker Constantin Tutu, 38, who is wanted by Russia for allegedly trafficking drugs internationally, police officials said. Both suspects had an Interpol red notice issued against them. Moldova's General Inspectorate of Police confirmed that Plahotniuc, who was the leader of the Democratic party from 2016-2019, and Tutu had been arrested. Plahotniuc, 59, is suspected to have fled Moldova in 2019. Following a tip-off, Greek police launched an investigation which found that Plahotniuc was living with his partner in a luxurious villa in the southern suburbs of Athens. Tutu also lived in the same residence, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the confidentiality of the probe. In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on seven people from Moldova, including Plahotniuc, for actions that it said destabilised and undermined the territorial integrity of Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine. Since 2023, Plahotniuc has lived in 22 countries, changing residence regularly to avoid detection, the Greek police officials said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The two men, carrying only backpacks, were arrested at the Athens airport after boarding a flight to Dubai. They will appear before a prosecutor on Wednesday to respond to charges. Moldova is expected to request his extradition, the country's General Prosecutor's office said. REUTERS
