Former PDM leader Vlad Plahotniuc spoke to journalists on Wednesday before a court hearing in the case known as the “theft of the billion.” Prosecutors charge Plahotniuc in the case, but he again rejected all accusations.
Plahotniuc said the court hearings would reveal the truth and that each witness would present their position based on the facts they know. He stated that he did not organize the bank fraud scheme and insisted that the prosecution must prove its case.
“I have clearly said no. Today it is up to the prosecution to prove its case, and they do not have a single witness,” Plahotniuc said. He added that, in his view, the truth is already clear even without many witnesses.
Asked why he had stayed outside the Republic of Moldova for several years and whether he had fled justice, Plahotniuc denied these claims. When journalists asked about alleged fake passports, he replied, “That is gossip, later.”
Plahotniuc said he does not complain about detention conditions, stating, “I am not spoiled.” He also said that he had prepared himself to return to the country.
“Of course I am innocent, otherwise I would not have prepared to return to the country,” he said.
On Wednesday, December 17, the court continued hearings in the “theft of the billion” case involving Vlad Plahotniuc. Judges are scheduled to hear the second defense witness, Andrian Candu, former PDM deputy and former Speaker of Parliament, who appeared in court.