Arrest warrants issued for Plahotniuc in absentia; he cites health reasons
The arrest warrants for Vladimir Plahotniuc were issued on Friday, September 26, by the magistrates of the Chisinau Court based in Ciocana, in his absence. The former democratic leader did not appear in court, citing health issues.
Prosecutor Alexandru Cernei announced that the court had reviewed the medical certificates provided by the penitentiary and determined that Vladimir Plahotniuc's health condition was satisfactory.
"The court has concluded that it is possible to examine this procedure in the absence of the accused, as the Code of Criminal Procedure allows for examinations in absentia in such cases. The terms of the arrest warrants were read aloud, and copies of these warrants were sent to the lawyer to represent the interests of the accused," the prosecutor stated.
Cernei explained that the warrants pertain to three ongoing criminal investigations: one involving bank fraud, the "Metalferos" case, and another concerning the use of counterfeit passport blanks. Additionally, a court warrant has been issued in Plahotniuc's name regarding the bank fraud case, which will be examined in detail at the Buiucani Court.
Vladimir Plahotniuc's lawyer, Lucian Rogac, noted that he did not request an examination in absentia. "We have been informed of the charges, and we have requested additional time for our client to review the indictment," the defense attorney said.
It is important to recall that on Thursday, September 25, Vladimir Plahotniuc was detained immediately following his extradition from Greece. He was taken to Penitentiary No. 13 and officially informed of the charges against him.
A new hearing in the "billion theft" case is scheduled for Friday, September 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the Chisinau Court based in Buiucani.
