Former Moldovan finance minister questioned in Bank Fraud file, episode involving Vladimir Plahotniuc

A former finance minister, Anatol Arapu, today was heard as a witness in the Bank Fraud file, in the episode involving Vladimir Plahotniuc. At the same time, a former PM of the Moldovan Democratic Party (PDM), Vladimir Andronachi, refrained from giving testimony, as he is targeted in a connected case. Another witness did not appear at the hearing for health reasons.

Former PDM leader Vladimir Plahotniuc did not attend the court hearing.

“This is because he is preparing the statements he will make before the court. It is Mr. Plahotniuc’s right, not an obligation, to make statements before the stage of judicial debates and he intends to exercise this right,” noted Lucian Rogac, Vladimir Plahotniuc’s lawyer.

The former finance minister, Anatol Arapu, was heard as a witness via videoconference. He stressed that he was not targeted in any case related to the bank fraud, noting that he does not know details about the decisions taken in this regard.

“He related aspects concerning the consequences of the bank fraud and the actions taken. These circumstances do not concern the subject matter of the case being examined in this trial,” said the case prosecutor, Alexandru Cernei.

Also today, former Democratic MP Vladimir Andronachi was to be heard via videoconference. However, he submitted a motion stating that he refrains from giving testimony, since he is targeted in a connected case. The court accepted the motion.

“The person refused to testify because he has the status of defendant in another case. Another witness presented a medical certificate stating that he could not appear at the hearing for health reasons. The court has made efforts for the other witnesses to be summoned next week. They will be brought in as soon as their whereabouts are established,” added Alexandru Cernei.

The case prosecutor said that 10 witnesses for the defense remained to be heard.

“After the stage of judicial investigation is completed, a new stage will begin with oral pleadings or judicial debates from the prosecution and the defense,” explained Alexandru Cernei.

Vladimir Plahotniuc has been in pre-trial detention since 25 September 2025, after being extradited from Greece, at which time the four arrest warrants issued in his name were enforced. He is currently held in Penitentiary No. 13 in Chisinau and is being investigated in four high-profile criminal cases, which concern, among other things, the establishment and leadership of a criminal organization, fraud, money laundering and bank fraud.

In addition, the former PDM leader will be investigated for document forgery in a new criminal file. It was initiated based on documents seized by Greek investigators from the house Vladimir Plahotniuc rented in Athens, Greece. The documents show that he allegedly used multiple identities, with a total of 18 false documents having been found.