Vladimir Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison
Vladimir Plahotniuc, the former leader of the Democratic Party, was sentenced to 19 years in a closed prison for bank fraud. The Chisinau Court in Buiucani pronounced the sentence on April 22, with Plahotniuc absent.
Vladimir Plahotniuc was found guilty of creating and leading a criminal organization, as well as committing large-scale fraud and money laundering.
As part of the sentencing, Plahotniuc has been barred from holding any positions or engaging in activities related to the management of financial resources and material assets belonging to others for a period of five years.
His lawyer, Lucian Rogac, indicated that they plan to appeal the sentence. Rogac stated, “We did not expect a different decision. Throughout the trial, there were significant violations and deviations from fundamental rights and guarantees, which led to this outcome.”
When asked why his client was not present in court, Rogac responded that Plahotniuc had "made use of his right" to be absent.
Prosecutors had sought a 25-year prison sentence. According to the indictment, Plahotniuc allegedly misused funds obtained from fraudulent bank loans awarded by Banca de Economii, Unibank, and Banca Socială for personal gain. This included the purchase of an Embraer Legacy 650 aircraft, charter flights, and various movable and immovable properties. He is also accused of making payments for numerous legal, medical, and construction services, business investments, and event organization, as well as paying off debts.
Furthermore, Plahotniuc is facing additional criminal cases linked to other scandals, including those involving Metalferos, passport blanks, and the “kuliok case,” which also involves former President Igor Dodon. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a new criminal case regarding the use of false identity documents.
Plahotniuc was in preventive detention at Penitentiary 13 for over seven months, after being extradited to Moldova on September 25, 2025, following six years of evading justice.
