The Moldovan prosecutor's office demanded that Plahotniuc's prison term be increased to 25 years.

The former leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova, businessman Vladimir Plahotniuc, wants to increase his prison term from 19 to 25 years. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office of Moldova made a corresponding request on May 6.

The agency appealed the verdict in the Plahotniuc case, considering the punishment too lenient. They stressed that the court had confirmed the defendant's guilt on the basis of irrefutable evidence. During the investigation, it was established that the former politician committed his actions intentionally, within the framework of a criminal organization. His crucial role as both an organizer and a leader was also confirmed.

"The punishment imposed does not reflect the seriousness of the acts. <...> The Prosecutor's office demands: partial cancellation of the verdict, review of the case, and sentencing to 25 years in prison," the message says.

At the same time, the prosecutor's office intends to challenge the court's refusal to confiscate the sums of $39.2 million and €3.5 million from Plahotniuc.

"We emphasize that compensation for damages and special confiscation are different measures with different purposes and can be applied simultaneously," they said.

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On April 22, a court in Chisinau sentenced the former leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova to 19 years in prison in the case of the withdrawal of $1 billion from the country's banking system. The prosecutor also stated that $60 million would be recovered from Plahotniuc in favor of Moldova.

In Moldova, Plahotniuc is accused of money laundering, fraud and illegal enrichment. In September 2025, the businessman was extradited from Greece to his homeland. After that, the Moldovan court arrested Plahotniuc for 30 days at the request of the prosecutor's office. In November 2017, Moscow's Basmanny Court also arrested Plahotniuc in absentia and put him on the international wanted list for attempted murder. In addition, he is suspected of withdrawing large funds from Russian banks together with Moldovan politician Renato Usatii.

The businessman was detained on July 22, 2025 in Greece. On July 26, a criminal case was opened against Plahotniuc in Romania upon the discovery of forged documents. On July 28, the defendant's lawyer announced Plahotniuc's readiness to be extradited to Moldova.