Vladimir Plahotniuc: Moldovan Oligarch Arrested in Athens

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc was arrested in Athens airport while attempting to travel to Dubai using a Bulgarian passport. He is accused of embezzling 850 million euros.

Plahotniuc, a former politician, had been residing in Greece in recent years, in a villa in Saronida, along with his partner Elizaveta Kuznetsova (Miss Moldova 2019), and Constantin Tutu, who was also arrested. The arrest was made by the Department of Crimes Against Property.

Reportedly, Plahotniuc is seeking a Greek lawyer to represent him. The process of his extradition to Moldova is underway.

155,000 euros were found in his residence. Plahotniuc drove a Skoda Kodiaq and took care to avoid being noticed.

The Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs stated that the extradition process will be carried out in accordance with international practices.