Searches on the territory of the French Republic in the "Bank Fraud" criminal case

The criminal prosecution actions were carried out in the Department of Haute-Savoie, in Sciez and the towns of Combloux, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Sallanches and Douvaine, between January 9-11, 2024 and targeted three real estate properties, identified through the exchange of information and coordination of efforts with the French authorities. The respective properties were registered in the name of legal entities, but de facto owned by the Plahotniuc family (evidenced and corroborated by the identification of several personal items, including family photos, on the premises).

The searches were carried out by PIAC representatives from the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police in France, with the participation of French investigating judges and prosecutors, assisted by members of the prosecution group from the Republic of Moldova.

One of the searched properties is a renovated villa located in the town of Sciez, in a residential neighborhood, on the shores of Lake Leman. The second property is also located in Sciez, and represents an apartment with two parking spaces, located in a residential complex, with access to a tennis court and a swimming pool. At the time of the criminal investigation, authorities found evidence indicating the property was used and managed by a close relative of Vladimir Plahotniuc.

The third property is a traditional villa (chalet) for the alpine area, with a ground floor, first floor and attic, located at the upper level of the town of Combloux, on a plot of 21 acres, overlooking the top of Mont Blanc, with six bedrooms, office, library, recreation space with fireplace and bar, gym, sauna, wine storage room, cold room, garage for 8 transport units, boiler room and other utilities.

As a result of the executed searches, authorities seized cash in the amount of 92,000 euros and 3,000 Swiss francs, the origin of the money still yet to be established, with the subsequent application of the seizure. Authorities also seized digital devices, telephones and several documents to be investigated in the criminal case, including for providing additional information about other immovable and movable assets belonging to the Plahotniuc family, such as the villa in Switzerland. In addition, authorities interviewed witnesses, who provided testimony indicating that the effective beneficiary of the goods subject to the search is Vladimir Plahotniuc.

Before the searches were carried out, the Anticorruption Prosecution Office obtained authorization from Moldovan judges to seize the assets mentioned above, in order to ensure the repair of the damage caused by the crimes charged. Through requests for international legal assistance, French authorities accepted the execution of the requested investigative actions carried out on French territory, including the seizure of the assets.

As previously announced, in July 2023, the Anticorruption Prosecution Office sent a criminal case to court charging Vladimir Plahotniuc in his absence, who currently is a fugitive and against whom judges have authorized the preventive measure in the form of preventive arrest for a period of 30 days.

We express our gratitude and appreciation to the French authorities, including prosecutors and judges, for their considerable support in this complex operation. Close and effective collaboration between the two countries was essential for the success of the investigative actions carried out, with the goal of ensuring justice and enforcement of the law.

Note: A person accused of committing a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court decision.

Contact
Press Service | Anticorruption Prosecution Office
presaPA@procuratura.md