British justice has denied Veaceslav Platon bail. He will await extradition proceedings in custody, reports IPN.
Westminster Court heard Platon’s case on Friday, March 21, 2025. He requested bail while awaiting a full hearing of his extradition case to the Republic of Moldova, writes Reuters.
Peter Caldwell, his lawyer, described Platon as a “real dissident” and explained that his client sought political asylum in the UK because of the mistreatment he suffered during his custody in Moldova after his arrest in 2016.
In 2017, Moldova convicted Veaceslav Platon of money laundering. Caldwell referred to a 2018 U.S. Department of State report that stated Platon appeared bruised during a meeting, claiming he “had a well-founded fear of persecution.”
Caldwell also pointed out that Platon, previously a Ukrainian citizen, “provided significant support to Ukraine” as a banker in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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Caldwell added that Moldovaэs request for extradition, issued in April 2022, was “no coincidence.” He also noted that Russia convicted Platon in absentia in 2023. Canada has also imposed sanctions on Platon.
Catherine Brown, the lawyer representing Moldova’s authorities, argued that Platon should not receive bail, citing the risk that he might flee the UK.
“Between 2010 and 2014, he led a criminal organization responsible for illegal money transfers totaling $22 billion,” Brown stated.
She also explained that Platon had the financial resources and criminal ties to escape and could have personal connections and influence over Moldovan judges.
Judge Joanna Matson denied Platon bail, stating that his claim of a politically motivated case was outside her jurisdiction.
Veaceslav Platon will remain in British custody while authorities decide on his extradition to Moldova.