Moldovan Oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc Arrested in Greece

Moldovan oligarch and former party leader, Vladimir Plahotniuc, has been arrested in Greece. He was wanted on an Interpol red notice for criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering.

The 59-year-old was arrested at Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime. The Moldovan police confirmed the arrest, noting that it occurred during Plahotniuc's transit through Greece en route to Dubai.

Vladimir Plahotniuc led the Democratic Party of Moldova from 2016 to 2019. He left Moldova in June 2019, when his party lost power. He has been convicted of fraud and embezzlement amounting to $1 billion.

Plahotniuc's lawyers deny the charges. On February 7, 2025, he was placed back on the international wanted list.