New details on the detention of Vladimir Plahotniuc and Constantin Țuțu: Greek authorities seized fake IDs, cash, and valuables
Recent reports in the Greek media reveal that former PDM leader Vladimir Plahotniuc and former Democratic MP Constantin Țuțu were detained. The two were apprehended at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens while attempting to board a flight to Dubai.
According to the Greek press, two Moldovan citizens, aged 59 and 38, were wanted internationally by Interpol at the request of authorities in the Republic of Moldova and Russia.
Vladimir Plahotniuc is sought for his involvement in an organized criminal group, money laundering, and large-scale fraud affecting the banking system. Constantin Țuțu was targeted for international drug trafficking, smuggling, and membership in a criminal organization.
Greek authorities reported that the two were discovered during an investigation into the possible fraudulent issuance of identity documents. Plahotniuc was allegedly identified using Interpol's BIOHUB biometric system.
During a document check, officials found that they were using false identity documents, reportedly issued by authorities in Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia, as reported by the Greek press.
The two men lived in an area south of Athens and tended to avoid going out frequently. The press notes that they often changed their countries of residence to evade capture.
Following the operation, Greek police confiscated the following items:
- Over €155,000 in cash from their home
- 17 fake passports and identity cards from various countries
- Counterfeit Bulgarian, Romanian, and Russian travel documents
- Two laptops, several mobile phones, and encrypted storage devices
- Four luxury watches
- A car exclusively used by Plahotniuc
Plahotniuc was found with €2,670, a laptop, and fake Bulgarian identity documents, while Țuțu had fake Romanian passports, a counterfeit residence permit, a driving license, and over €2,000 in cash, according to reports from the Athens press.
The two are expected to be presented before the judicial authorities in Greece.
