Former Democratic Party leader Vlad Plahotniuc appeared in court today, December 2, for the first time to give statements in the “billion-dollar theft” case.
Plahotniuc told the judge that he holds three citizenships — Moldovan, Romanian, and Russian — when asked to confirm his identity during the hearing at the Chisinau Court, Buiucani office, in the bank fraud case.
His lawyer, Lucian Rogac, requested that the hearings be fully video-recorded. Plahotniuc confirmed that the idea came from him and said he fully supports the request. Prosecutor Alexandru Cernei noted that the law permits such recordings; however, the judge rejected the motion, citing the public nature of the trial, the presence of the press, and the fact that several stages are already audio-recorded. The court ruled that the defense’s request was unfounded.
Journalists present at the hearing reported that Plahotniuc also stated he is accused of creating and leading a criminal organization that allegedly influenced and controlled state-level decisions and the actions of authorities — including legislative, executive, and judicial bodies, as well as financial and banking regulators.
“Without these witnesses, it is impossible to prove whether this accusation is true or simply a label. They turned my alleged accomplices in the executive — prime ministers, ministers, the leadership of the NBM, the NCFM — into supposed collaborators who acted under pressure or voluntarily, executing my orders. But the prosecution didn’t bring them to testify. Why is there not a single witness on the main accusation? How will the court reach a decision without evidence? What are they afraid of? They fear the truth will come out — the real beneficiaries will appear. Why are the prosecutors hiding the truth?”
Plahotniuc maintains that he is innocent and says he came to court to defend himself against the accusations and to clarify what he calls misinformation surrounding the bank fraud. He insists that he wants equal opportunities to prove his innocence and present the evidence he has.
Since his extradition to the Republic of Moldova on September 25, Plahotniuc had not attended any previous hearings. Before today’s session, he announced that he would appear in court and planned to present his own arguments and evidence. He was escorted to the hearing earlier today as announced.