After Vladimir Plahotniuc returned to the Republic of Moldova, observers speculated that he could testify in the “Kuliok” case, in which former president Igor Dodon faces charges of alleged bribery. The trial has remained suspended since summer 2025, Free Europe reports.
Plahotniuc previously indicated he might testify. In a 2022 interview with Tribuna, he said he could not reveal the contents of the black bag he gave Dodon in June 2019, citing potential court testimony. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (PA) confirmed that Plahotniuc faces bribery charges in one of four related criminal cases.
The case has stalled at the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ). Three hearings scheduled for late June 2025 were postponed indefinitely due to a judge shortage. CSJ interim president Stela Procopciuc cited the court’s high workload and the complexity of cases as reasons for the delay.
Procopciuc noted that deciding whether Plahotniuc could testify falls within the judicial panel’s competence. The PA said the case is currently hearing defense witnesses and did not confirm if prosecution will request Plahotniuc’s testimony. Dodon’s lawyer Nicolae Posturusu said the defense will first observe the prosecution’s approach before acting.
The “Kuliok” case, opened in spring 2022, is based on 2019 video footage showing Plahotniuc handing a black bag to Dodon. Prosecutors claim Dodon received $600,000–$1 million to finance the Socialist Party in exchange for helping Plahotniuc avoid criminal cases in Russia and supporting a coalition with the Democratic Party. Dodon claims the videos were manipulated and the meeting was merely a distraction.
The case initially involved judges Vladimir Timofti, Ghenadie Plamadeala, and Anatolie Turcan. After multiple resignations and vetting failures, the current panel includes Anatolie Turcan, Ion Malanciuc, Ghenadie Eremciuc, and Stella Blesceaga.