Moldova: Vladimir Plahotniuc extradited from Greece
The plane carrying Vladimir Plahotniuc, the former leader of the Democratic Party and a controversial political figure, landed in the Moldovan capital, Chișinău, after being extradited from Greece.
Former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc has been taken off the plane and is being escorted directly to the prison.
The oligarch was photographed by Agora reporters aboard the plane bringing him back to the Republic of Moldova more than six years and three months after he fled the country.
A team from public broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova is currently at Chișinău International Airport. Reporter Maria Brînca reports a heavy presence of police and journalists at the airport.
The aircraft carrying the former Democratic Party leader landed shortly after.
Two buses and a van approached the aircraft to pick up passengers. Plahotniuc, however, remained under police escort as other passengers began to disembark.
The footage can be watched live on state-owned broadcaster Moldova 1 during a special broadcast.
Former democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc landed in Chisinau
The airplane carrying the former democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc landed a short time ago at the International Airport "Eugen Doga" - Chisinau.
Two buses and a van approached the plane to pick up passengers. Travelers started to get off, but Plahotniuc remained under escort.
The pictures can be seen live on Moldova 1 in a special edition.
Report being updated
Who is Vladimir Plahotniuc?
Vladimir Plahotniuc, a former politician and businessman, is one of the most controversial figures in the recent history of the Republic of Moldova. Nicknamed the "puppet master" of Moldovan politics, he dominated the public scene between 2010 and 2019, first as a member of parliament and then as leader of the Democratic Party. During his period of maximum influence, he was accused of controlling state institutions, the media, and the main centers of political decision-making.
In June 2019, after an alliance between the Socialists and the ACUM Bloc removed the PDM from power, Plahotniuc fled the country and went into hiding in several countries, using false identities and passports.
He was arrested on July 22, 2025, at Athens airport while attempting to leave for Dubai, accompanied by former Democratic MP Constantin Țuțu.
Plahotniuc is under investigation in several criminal cases, the most important of which is related to the 2014 bank fraud known as the "theft of the billion." According to prosecutors, he allegedly benefited from tens of millions of dollars of the stolen funds, which he used for luxury purchases. Other cases concern:
If found guilty, he faces a prison sentence of between 8 and 15 years.
Since 2020, Plahotniuc has been on the sanctions lists of the US, EU, UK, and Canada for systemic corruption and undermining the rule of law. These measures include asset freezes, entry bans, and prohibitions on economic transactions with entities or individuals in these countries.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
