Vlad Filat rejects French conviction as political, appeals two-year sentence
A French court has sentenced former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat to two years in prison and a fine of €100,000 (approx. 1.94 million MDL) for money laundering.
The ruling, delivered in early December and detailed in court documents consulted by AFP on December 22, stems from a corruption investigation involving the former official.
Financial penalties and co-defendants
In the same case, the court sentenced Filat’s former wife, Sanda Diviricean, to an 18-month suspended prison term and a fine of €150,000.
Additionally, the court ordered the former couple to pay €10,000 to the Republic of Moldova in moral damages.
Filat claims political motivation
Vlad Filat has dismissed the charges, describing the French court's decision as "politically motivated" and influenced by interests within Moldova.
According to Filat, the case focuses on the division of marital assets following his 2012 divorce and specifically concerns the purchase of a residence in France.
"The requests sent to the French authorities were exaggerated and lacked legal foundation, leading to a decision without precedent in French jurisprudence," Filat stated.
Contesting the verdict
The former prime minister expressed surprise that the Republic of Moldova joined the case as a civil party, seeking €18 million in damages for a case he claims was previously closed domestically.
He maintains that his involvement is unjustified and based on "false testimony." Filat confirmed he has filed an appeal, stating he remains confident that "truth and legality will prevail."
Historical context of the "Billion-Dollar Fraud"
Vlad Filat served as Prime Minister of Moldova between 2009 and 2013. His career has been marked by high-profile legal battles, most notably the "billion-dollar fraud" that shook the nation's banking system.
In 2016, Filat was sentenced to nine years in prison for passive corruption and influence peddling. Prosecutors alleged he received millions in bribes from businessman Ilan Shor to favor decisions regarding Banca de Economii.
Recent legal developments
After being released early in 2019, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in early 2023 that Filat's right to a fair trial had been violated.
The court ordered the Moldovan state to pay him €7,500 in moral damages. By June 2025, the Council of Europe confirmed that Moldova had fully complied with the ECHR ruling.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
