Greece to extradite Moldovan tycoon plahotniuc this week, source says

The extradition comes just days ahead of a closely watched election in Moldova and follows a Greek court ruling in August approving his transfer. The case, known as Moldova’s “theft of the century,” involves the disappearance of nearly $1 billion from the country’s banking system in 2014—equivalent at the time to roughly 12% of Moldova’s GDP.

Although Greece’s Justice Ministry briefly paused the process, reportedly to address legal matters involving a separate case raised by Romania, the ministry approved the extradition last week. Plahotniuc is expected to be flown out of Greece on Thursday morning.

According to Kathimerini, the delay had drawn frustration from Moldova’s pro-European government, which has accused Russia of meddling in the country's political affairs ahead of the vote. In a statement on September 17, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean warned against political interference:

“Even if he [Plahotniuc] hopes that after the elections Moldova will fall into the hands of Russia and he will be able to come home freely, the institutions must bring him home in handcuffs.”

Plahotniuc, who has denied all allegations, claims the charges are politically motivated and based on what he calls “slander and political hatred.”

Before fleeing Moldova in 2019, Plahotniuc was a dominant political figure, serving as leader of the Democratic Party and deputy speaker of parliament. He was widely seen as one of the country’s most influential figures, with deep control over state institutions.

In 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on Plahotniuc and six others for actions deemed to undermine Moldova’s stability and territorial integrity, as well as that of Ukraine.

According to Greek police, the 59-year-old tycoon has lived in 22 countries since 2023. He was arrested at Athens International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai. An active Interpol notice listed Plahotniuc as holding up to 16 passports, including those from Romania, Mexico, and Russia.

Russia has also requested his extradition on separate drug-related charges but denies any involvement in Moldova’s internal political dynamics.

There has been no official comment yet from Moldovan authorities regarding the extradition schedule.