The first appeal hearing in the “Bank Fraud” case, in which former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison, is taking place today, August 24, at the Chisinau-based Central Court of Appeal.
The appeal was filed by the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office following the verdict issued on April 22. Prosecutors disagree with the sentence imposed by the first-instance court and are seeking to increase it from 19 to 25 years in prison.
On April 22, Plahotniuc was convicted of creating and leading a criminal organization, fraud and money laundering in connection with the “Bank Fraud” case.
According to the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office, the former Democratic Party leader allegedly benefited from approximately $39.3 million and EUR 3.5 million originating from funds stolen from three commercial banks.
The Court of Appeal will examine the arguments presented by the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office and decide whether to uphold or modify the first-instance verdict. Plahotniuc denies all charges.
Plahotniuc was convicted on April 22, 2026, after being extradited to Moldova from Greece in the summer of 2025. He had left Moldova in 2019 following the collapse of the Democratic Party government.
Meanwhile, a bomb threat was reported at the Court of Appeal this morning, shortly before the hearing was due to begin.