Greek authorities have detained Vladimir Plahotniuc, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch accused of orchestrating a $1 billion bank fraud, Moldova’s national police confirmed Tuesday, July 22.
Plahotniuc, who fled Moldova in 2019 amid sweeping corruption charges, was arrested alongside another unnamed Moldovan citizen, following notification from Interpol’s Athens office. He had been on Interpol’s international wanted list since February.
Greece’s organised crime unit said Plahotniuc is sought on charges of fraud, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organisation.
Moldova’s Ministry of Justice and Prosecutor’s Office are now coordinating with Greek authorities to initiate extradition proceedings.
One of Moldova’s wealthiest figures, Plahotniuc was previously sanctioned by the US and UK for corruption, election interference, and exerting undue influence over Moldovan institutions.
His arrest in Greece comes just months before Moldova’s key parliamentary elections.
