The first hearing in the case of Vladimir Plahotniuc took place without the defendant, who requested time to study the materials of the "Bank Fraud" case.

At the Chișinău Court, the first hearing in the bank fraud case of Vladimir Plahotniuc took place without his presence, as he cited the need for time to analyze the materials of the case generically named "Bank Fraud." Represented by lawyer Ion Vîzdoagă, Plahotniuc is accused of leading a criminal organization and money laundering, risking up to 20 years in prison. The court granted an additional deadline until October 17 for the examination of the materials, and the next hearing is scheduled for October 20. Plahotniuc was extradited from Greece on September 25, after six years on the run.