Greece’s Ministry of Justice has reportedly approved Plahotniuc’s extradition to Moldova, his lawyer
Greece’s Ministry of Justice has reportedly approved all three extradition requests submitted by Chișinău authorities regarding Vladimir Plahotniuc, according to his lawyer, Lucian Rogac. Moldova’s Ministry of Justice has not yet confirmed the information.
According to lawyer Lucian Rogac, one of the extradition requests submitted by Chișinău authorities was approved by Greece in August, while the other two were consolidated. However, a favorable decision was issued on September 4 by the Greek Ministry of Justice, Rogac says.
“Today, we were informed by representatives of the Greek Ministry of Justice that yesterday a decision was issued approving the extradition of Mr. Plahotniuc to Moldova. Yesterday, the Moldovan side was also notified, according to the Greek Ministry of Justice. The Moldovan authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs subdivisions will handle the technical and logistical aspects of the immediate extradition,” lawyer Lucian Rogac told Moldova 1 TV.
“The requesting party assumes responsibility for the technical, logistical, and financial aspects. – How long would this take? – That depends on the will of the Moldovan authorities. If there is willingness and intent, it can be organized very quickly. If not, it could be delayed until the last days of the legal term—30 days. I suspect they might leave it for the 28th or 29th, citing various pretexts,” Plahotniuc’s lawyer added.
The head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, stated yesterday that Vladimir Plahotniuc could be extradited to Moldova in the coming weeks, but the procedure depends on the decision of the Greek Ministry of Justice.
According to him, the police have already begun identifying transport routes and have sent requests to several airlines. The extradition must be carried out via a direct flight under strict security and escort conditions.
Cernăuțeanu confirmed that, along with the extradition, Greece will transfer assets seized from Plahotniuc, which would simplify the investigations underway in Chișinău.
We remind you that former Democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc was detained on July 22 in Athens and is currently held in Greece’s largest prison. He is accused by Moldovan prosecutors in four criminal cases, including forming and leading a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering.
Vladimir Plahotniuc faces 8 to 15 years in prison.
