Moldova targets foreign assets of Plahotniuc ally in major laundering probe
Moldovan authorities have issued several letters rogatory—formal requests for international legal assistance—to track and seize the foreign assets of former Democratic Party MP Vladimir Andronachi.
The strategy was confirmed by the Chief of the Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office, Marcel Dumbravan. The move aims to verify the defendant's financial declarations and recover illicit wealth held outside the country.
The charges and the "Billion Dollar Fraud"
Vladimir Andronachi, a high-profile associate of oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, is currently in pre-trial detention. He faces charges of money laundering on an especially large scale, a crime punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Prosecutors have linked Andronachi to two major corruption cases. The first involves the 2014 "Bank Fraud," where he is accused of causing €1.32 million (approx. 26 million MDL) in damages to the state.
The second case concerns a passport booklet procurement scheme. Investigators estimate a loss of €7.14 million paid in illegal royalties to a foreign company between 2019 and 2020.
A complex legal battle
"Some cases depend on cross-border complexities," Marcel Dumbravan stated. "We have initiated letters rogatory to verify Andronachi’s statements and his assets abroad for the purpose of recovery."
Andronachi's legal history is marked by multiple arrests and controversial releases. In August 2023, he was famously released under a personal guarantee of €1,120 (approx. 22,000 MDL) provided by several individuals, including a local priest.
However, he was re-arrested in September 2025 on new money laundering charges. Authorities claim he attempted to illegally transfer shares of a service company to an intermediary while his accounts were frozen by the State Tax Service.
Court maintains detention
The legal tug-of-war peaked on New Year’s Eve. While a lower court initially granted Andronachi's request to move to house arrest, the Chisinau Court of Appeal overturned the decision.
Following a successful challenge by anti-corruption prosecutors, the appellate court ruled that Andronachi must remain in pre-trial detention for at least another 30 days to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
