Moldovan prosecutor general says Vladimir Plahotniuc one of principal beneficiaries of one-billion-dollar theft

Chisinau, 18 May /MOLDPRES/ - One of the principal beneficiaries of the one-billion-dollar theft is the former leader of the Moldovan Democratic Party (PDM), Vladimir Plahotniuc. The Prosecutor General’s Office (PG) has evidence showing that namely Plahotniuc is the beneficiary of the money got in form of loans from Banca de Economii (Savings Bank – BEM) through the Shor Group, subsequently covered by financial means of the National Bank of Moldova (BNM). Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo today made statements to this effect at a news briefing.     

According to Stoianoglo, more than 100 million dollars reached accounts of Plahotniuc. The sum was directed to buy stocks of a bank, the building of the ASITO insurance company, the Fashion House and the National hotel.

„Also, the money received from BEM was used by Plahotniuc on personal purposes and by the companies affiliated to him for purchasing an airship, payment of personal charter flights, as well as of people from his entourage,’’ Stoianoglo said.

The prosecutor general noted that, proceeding from the aforementioned findings, a new ordinance on charging would be adopted against Plahotniuc and so, his accusation will be completed, so that three charges are established against him, namely: creation of a criminal organization, swindle and money laundering, both committed in particularly large amounts. As soon as the accusation acts are translated into English, they will be sent to the competent authorities of the United States for Vladimir Plahotniuc’s extradition and calling to account in Moldova.     

„By common agreement with other authorities, we will undertake measures for the prosecution of both the personal wealth of Plahotniuc and the one of the companies affiliated to him,’’ Stoianoglo added.