Moldovan Bank Heist Probe Must Keep Going, Says Top Official

The case that uncovered a $1 billion theft from Moldovan banks over ten years ago is still alive, even after a top businessman was found guilty. The court gave Vladimir Plahotniuc, one of the richest men in Moldova, 19 years behind bars. He was accused of moving money abroad through shady loans and deals that pulled a chunk equal to 12 % of the country’s GDP. Prosecutors had wanted a longer sentence, but the judge gave 19 years. The money was said to have left the banks in $39 million and €3. 5 million that Plahotniuc received personally. He was also charged with running a criminal group, bribery and making the metal export market a monopoly. These are part of three new investigations that anti‑corruption officials have opened.Igor Grosu, the second‑highest official in Moldova’s government, told reporters that the investigation must continue. He argued that Plahotniuc could not have done all this alone, and that other people were involved. Grosu said it is logical to look into the actions of others, including those who claimed Plahotniuc was innocent. Plahotniuc has denied the charges. His lawyer says the trial was unfair and that politics influenced the verdict. Plahotniuc once led Moldova’s Democratic Party and was a deputy speaker of parliament, giving him control over police, courts and the judiciary. The new investigations will focus on whether other officials helped with the fraud. The goal is to expose the full truth and stop corruption from taking over Moldova’s banks.