Greece lifts suspension of Vladimir Plahotniuc’s extradition to Moldova; PG: "Situation unblocked"
The Greek Ministry of Justice has reversed its decision to suspend the extradition of Vladimir Plahotniuc to the Republic of Moldova, and the extradition process has now resumed, according to the Prosecutor General's Office in Chișinău. The situation was "unblocked" following discussions held on September 18 between Moldovan authorities and Greek officials. The terms and method of the former democratic leader's surrender will now be established by mutual agreement.
The decision to revoke the extradition was made two days after Greek authorities suspended the extradition of the former politician to the Republic of Moldova.
On September 17, the Prosecutor General's Office confirmed the suspension of the extradition procedure, stating that they had been informed by the Greek authorities through Interpol channels.
The following day, Reuters reported that Plahotniuc is also under investigation in Romania for a forgery case, which was the reason the Greek Ministry of Justice temporarily halted the extradition process.
Meanwhile, in Chisinau, a new court hearing was scheduled for September 19 in the criminal case against Plahotniuc. He is accused of creating and leading a criminal organization that allegedly illegally obtained $39.3 million and €3.5 million from Banca de Economii, Unibank, and Banca Sociala in 2014.
However, the hearing was postponed due to the absence of lawyers.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it received a set of documents regarding Vladimir Plahotniuc's extradition from the Greek authorities on September 12. These documents were sent via the Interpol Chisinau Bureau.
Afterwards, the complete package was forwarded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the agency responsible for processing Plahotniuc's extradition. By Monday, September 15, all the necessary documents had also been delivered to the General Inspectorate of Police (IGP).
Although the initial target date for bringing the oligarch back to Moldova was September 25, authorities are considering the possibility that the extradition process could be completed even sooner. Logistical and security preparations are currently underway to ensure the operation can be conducted safely and in accordance with legal standards, as stated by Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the IGP.
It's important to note that Vladimir Plahotniuc was detained in Athens on July 22 and is currently being held in the largest prison in Greece. The former leader of the Democratic Party has been evading Moldovan justice for six years and faces four criminal charges in the Republic of Moldova, including creating and leading a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering.
If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 8 to 15 years.
