Moldova bank fraud case: Igor Grosu warns of defiant tactics in Plahotniuc trial
In the high-profile Moldova bank fraud case—generically known as the "theft of the billion"—the public should expect "defiant posturing" and must "remain patient," warns Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu.
His remarks followed the December 17 court hearing of former speaker Andrian Candu, who testified in the case involving his political mentor and relative by marriage, the fugitive oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc.
Grosu emphasized that despite the provocative behavior of the defense, it is vital for the trial to remain legally sound. He noted that the "smirking defiance" seen from those close to the accused appears designed to provoke authorities, judges, and the media.
"We are seeing a dismissive attitude from the entourage of the accused," Grosu stated during a broadcast on Jurnal TV. "They are attempting to mock the gravity of the situation to protect their kin. While the defendant has every right to call witnesses for his defense, we must ensure this remains a fair, transparent process."
When asked if true justice is achievable in Moldova's current climate, Grosu described the current progress as a "solid start." He pointed to the fact that state institutions are finally aligning their efforts, yielding the first tangible results of the "vetting" process—a rigorous integrity screening of judges and prosecutors.
"The system is putting up heavy resistance through delays and procedural maneuvers," Grosu admitted. "However, our goal is to make these judicial reforms irreversible."
Andrian Candu, a former Speaker of Parliament and a close associate of Vladimir Plahotniuc, underwent four hours of questioning on Wednesday. Following the session, prosecutors dismissed his testimony as irrelevant to the investigation.
Upon leaving the courtroom, Candu refused to provide statements to the press, claiming he is no longer a public figure. In contrast, his legal team maintains that the facts presented are crucial to the defense's strategy in the ongoing billion-dollar fraud investigation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
