Moldova proves capacity to bring Vladimir Plahotniuc to justice
The Republic of Moldova has proven, through its recent actions, its capacity to bring to justice individuals involved in high-profile corruption and organized crime, such as Vladimir Plahotniuc.
According to Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin, these results stem from close European cooperation with international bodies like Interpol and Europol.
The investigations’ success, particularly those targeting Plahotniuc, is a direct result of joint effort between Moldovan authorities and their international partners. This cooperation bore immediate fruit: Plahotniuc was arrested in Greece on July 22, and his extradition to the Republic of Moldova was completed on September 25.
The head of the MIA confirmed that actions and investigations are continuing against members of the former oligarch’s group, including Dorin Damir and Vladimir Andronachi.
"These are concrete results and proof that justice is working in the Republic of Moldova," the Minister declared on November 6, during an appearance on TVR Moldova. She further noted that "investigation officers and criminal prosecution officers demonstrated high professionalism in documenting these cases."
Misail-Nichitin underscored the "permanent and constant" collaboration with Interpol across all cases. "The activity of my colleagues in the National Police is professional in all cases, not just those with major social impact," she stressed.
Monitoring networks that could threaten public order or the electoral process remains a continuous priority, with "police and prosecutors documenting and investigating these cases," the Minister added.
The Republic of Moldova, a security exporter: "Our experiences must be leveraged"
Four years ago, the capacity for joint work with European law enforcement agencies was limited. "Today, that collaboration is full," Misail-Nichitin stated. She described the current situation, where the police, carabineers, and Border Police work "shoulder to shoulder, 24/7, with colleagues from similar European structures," as "something in the category of normalcy."
Furthermore, the MIA head believes the Republic of Moldova has accumulated valuable experience in managing risks and threats emanating from Russia, especially in an electoral context. This experience, she argues, should be shared.
"European partners can leverage Moldova's experience when dealing with destabilization, electoral corruption, or other challenges orchestrated by the Russian Federation to change the country's European vector," the Interior Minister concluded. She affirmed that this experience is being utilized, with her colleagues exchanging information daily on the Europol and Interpol platforms.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
