Moldovan Oligarch Plahotniuc Detained Greece Extradition Dispute

Vladimir Plahotniuc, former leader of Moldova's Democratic Party and a key suspect in a major $1 billion banking fraud case, was detained in Greece while attempting to leave the country and is currently subject to extradition proceedings to Moldova. Moldovan authorities have officially requested his extradition on charges including fraud, money laundering, and leading a criminal organization, with the Greek Court of Appeal overseeing the process. There is conflicting information regarding Plahotniuc's consent to extradition: his lawyer claims he has unconditionally agreed and is willing to cooperate with judicial bodies, while the Moldovan Prosecutor General's Office, citing the Greek Court of Appeal, states that Plahotniuc has not given consent for extradition. Plahotniuc holds multiple passports, some reportedly fake, and has lived in numerous countries since 2023 to avoid detection. Greek authorities have placed him under pre-trial detention and seized documents and cash from him and a former deputy detained alongside him. The final decision on extradition lies with Greek authorities, and the case remains under judicial review amid ongoing investigations.