Overview

• Vladimir Plahotniuc was arrested at Athens airport on July 22 while attempting to board a flight to Dubai under an Interpol red notice issued in February.
• Greek organized crime police charged him with fraud, money laundering and criminal conspiracy over a 2014–2015 scheme that siphoned roughly $1 billion from three Moldovan banks.
• He remains in Greek custody pending a legal hearing and potential transfer to Moldova, where the Ministry of Justice and Prosecutor’s Office are exchanging documentation for extradition.
• The former leader of Moldova’s Democratic Party has denied any wrongdoing and has faced sanctions from the US, UK and EU for alleged corruption and attempts to influence elections.
• His arrest underscores growing international cooperation in tracking and detaining high-profile financial fugitives across multiple jurisdictions.