Vladimir Plahotniuc, wanted by Interpol, listed with fake ID
Former leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vladimir Plahotniuc, who is wanted internationally, is listed in Interpol’s database under multiple identities, including one linked to a Mexican passport. The information was confirmed by Minister of Internal Affairs Daniela Misail-Nichitin.
“I can confirm that this individual is listed in the Interpol system under this name and is subject to an international search. As you know, he has been registered under multiple nationalities, including Mexican citizenship,” stated the Interior Minister.
Viorel Cernăuțeanu, head of the General Police Inspectorate, confirmed to Ziarul de Gardă that Plahotniuc is being pursued under four different identities, one of which includes a surname typical of a Latin American country—specifically, “Gonzalez.” “It is highly unlikely that this is a legally obtained passport. In this context, ongoing measures are being taken in collaboration with international partners. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose further details, as the investigation is still underway,” Cernăuțeanu added.
Interpol recently updated its database with two new photographs of Vladimir Plahotniuc—the first publicly released images of him since his departure from Moldova in June 2019. His profile lists four nationalities: Moldovan, Romanian, Russian, and Mexican.
Cernăuțeanu also stated that there is currently no evidence indicating that Plahotniuc has used his Mexican passport to cross any borders. However, two weeks ago, Turkish authorities issued an alert under his real name.
Plahotniuc fled Moldova in the summer of 2019 after the Democratic Party lost power. That same year, Moldovan authorities requested an international warrant for his arrest through Interpol. He faces charges including leading a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering. According to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Plahotniuc allegedly benefited from over $39 million and €3.5 million embezzled from Banca de Economii, Unibank, and Banca Socială.
Additionally, in December 2022, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Plahotniuc and Ilan Șor in connection with the “Bank Fraud” case. Previously, both had been sanctioned by the United States for systemic corruption and alleged interference in electoral processes favoring Russia.
Authorities continue to coordinate with international law enforcement agencies in their efforts to track and apprehend Plahotniuc.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
