The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has appealed the sentence in the case of Vlad Plahotniuc, who was initially sentenced to 19 years in prison, considering the punishment too lenient. The defense of the former democratic leader also attacked the decision at the Court of Appeal, qualifying it as illegal, reports IPN.

The prosecutors request that the sentence be increased to 25 years in prison, as initially requested. “The prosecution requests the partial annulment of the sentence, the retrial of the case, and the application of a 25-year prison sentence”, is stated in a press release from the prosecution.

According to the prosecutors, the court confirmed the defendant’s guilt based on clear evidence and established that the acts were committed intentionally, within a criminal organization. His decisive role was also demonstrated, including in the organization and leadership of criminal activities. However, the prosecutors argue that the sentence applied does not reflect the severity of the acts.

At the same time, the prosecution challenges the court’s refusal to order the confiscation of amounts of 39.2 million dollars and 3.5 million euros, specifying that the recovery of damages and special confiscation are different measures, with distinct purposes, which can be applied concurrently.

However, the defense argues that the decision of the first instance is not based on solid evidence. Lawyer Lucian Rogac told IPN that the sentence was appealed to the Court of Appeal.

In a public post on social media, Vlad Plahotniuc stated that the judges’ decision was “politically motivated”. According to him, the trial was marred by serious procedural irregularities and political interference.

Vlad Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison in the “Bank Fraud” case. The decision was handed down on April 22 by judges at the Chisinau District Court, Buiucani Branch, through the aggregation of sentences. He was not present at the sentencing hearing.