New hearing in the "Bank Fraud" case: Plahotniuc’s defense seeks prosecutor's recusal
On Monday, November 2, the Chișinău Court of Appeal continues hearings in the “bank fraud” case, in which former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison at first instance. He is attending the hearing via videoconference from Penitentiary No. 13 in Chișinău. The judges are set to examine motions filed by his defense team.
Proceedings in the "Bank Fraud" case continue at the Chișinău Court of Appeal.
During today’s hearing, the defense requested the recusal of prosecutor Alexandru Cernei, arguing that he had referred to a document in the case file which, in reality, concerns Vladimir Andronachi rather than Vladimir Plahotniuc.
The court panel rejected the request.
Subsequently, the judges continued reviewing the approximately 43 motions filed by the defense. One of these concerns the questioning of Vladimir Andronachi, whom the prosecution alleges colluded with Plahotniuc.
The defense attorneys insisted that Andronachi be questioned directly, arguing that the allegations of complicity are based on the statements of a witness with a protected identity.
The prosecutor, however, pointed out that Andronachi had already been summoned but had refused to testify. Consequently, the court also rejected this request.
On April 22, 2026, the Chișinău Court based in Buiucani sentenced former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison on five counts, including the creation and leadership of a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors have appealed the sentence, seeking an increase to 25 years, while the defense maintains the former politician’s innocence and requests his acquittal.
Plahotniuc—who had left the Republic of Moldova in 2019 and was subsequently extradited from Greece in September 2025—was also barred for a period of five years from holding positions or engaging in activities that involve the management of financial assets or material property belonging to others.
The court further ordered the defendant to repay, for the benefit of the Ministry of Finance, over 58 million US dollars and 5.2 million euros—sums that account for the damages caused by the looting of the three banks, along with accrued interest.
According to prosecutors, funds derived from the bank fraud were allegedly used to purchase an Embraer Legacy 650 aircraft, pay for charter flights, acquire movable and immovable property, cover legal, medical, and travel services, finance construction and renovation work, invest in businesses, organize events, and settle debts. At the same time, the court maintained the seizure of the defendant’s assets, whose total value exceeds one billion lei.
Vladimir Plahotniuc maintains his innocence, and the court of first instance's verdict is not final.
