The extradition case of Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotnik, who was arrested at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos airport for embezzling 850 million euros in his country.
The 59-year-old had a pending red notice from Moldova for embezzling $1 billion from three state-owned banks in 2012-2014. The oligarch was arrested on Tuesday and a few hours later, a second extradition request was notified to Greek authorities, this time from Russia.
According to SKAI, Russian authorities accuse Plahotnik of plotting to assassinate his political rival, a Russian national and head of Moldova’s pro-Russian “Our Fatherland” party. According to the Russian warrant, the 59-year-old’s plan did not materialise because the hired assassins were arrested for their involvement in another case. Russian authorities also accuse the oligarch of involvement in a criminal organization that trafficked processed cannabis from Spain to Russia.
According to the same information, within 40 days, both Moldova and Russia have to send a complete file with the evidence supporting their claims, and then the Athens Court of Appeal will hear the case. The final say in Vladimir Plahotnjuk’s extradition will be held by the Greek Minister of Justice.
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