Moldovan Oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc Extradited from Greece to Face $1 Billion Fraud Charges

Oligarch Arrives in Chișinău Under Tight Security

Vladimir Plahotniuc, a prominent Moldovan oligarch and former political figure, was extradited from Greece to Moldova on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He arrived in the capital, Chișinău, under tight security to face charges in connection with a $1 billion bank fraud case, widely known as the 'theft of the century.'

Plahotniuc, 59, was detained at Athens International Airport on July 22, 2025, while attempting to travel to Dubai. His arrest followed an Interpol red notice requested by Moldovan authorities. Greek authorities noted that he possessed numerous travel documents, including up to 21 passports from various countries.

Charges and the 'Theft of the Century'

Moldovan prosecutors have filed charges against Plahotniuc in three cases, including fraud, money laundering, and organized crime. He is accused of orchestrating the disappearance of approximately $1 billion from three Moldovan banks – Banca de Economii, Unibank, and Banca Socială – in 2014. This sum represented about 12 percent of Moldova's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the time. Investigators allege that Plahotniuc personally benefited by approximately $39 million and €3.5 million through entities linked to fellow fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor.

The scandal is deeply intertwined with the broader 'Russian Laundromat' money-laundering scheme, which saw billions of dollars moved from Russia through Moldovan banks to the European Union between 2010 and 2014. Plahotniuc has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations against him as a 'political witchhunt.'

Political Context and International Sanctions

Plahotniuc's extradition occurs just days before Moldova's pivotal parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28. His return is seen as a significant victory for the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and President Maia Sandu, who have prioritized anti-corruption efforts. The timing of the extradition is particularly sensitive, as the elections are viewed as a choice between closer ties with the European Union or a pivot towards Moscow.

Plahotniuc fled Moldova in 2019 amidst multiple investigations. His U.S. visa was revoked in January 2020, with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accusing him of corruption that 'severely compromised the independence of democratic institutions in Moldova.' He has also been sanctioned by the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom for actions cited as destabilizing Moldovan politics and undermining the rule of law.

Next Steps

Upon his arrival, Plahotniuc was transferred to Penitentiary No. 13 in Chișinău, where he will await further legal proceedings. The case against him was sent to court in 2023. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 8 to 15 years.