Prosecutors say that 17 people have been detained in Moldova and Ukraine in a suspected plot to assassinate Vladimir Plahotniuc, one of Moldova’s most powerful politicians.
Vitalie Busuioc of the Moldovan Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime said on April 8 they had seized money and weapons, including grenade launchers, that were to be used in plot to kill Plahotniuc, a businessman who is also the head of the Democratic Party, the largest partner in Moldova's pro-European governing coalition.
Eight of the suspects were arrested in Moldova, while the nine others were in Ukraine, according to Busuioc.
Ion Iachimov of the Moldovan National Investigation Inspectorate said two Moldovans, one of whom is currently in Moscow, ordered the murder in exchange for $200,000.
The Democratic Party said in a statement that it "firmly condemned this criminal act."
Ukraine's Interior Ministry said on April 7 that the authorities had thwarted an assassination attempt against Plahotniuc.
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
The Rebuilding Of Kyiv's Navy, Far From Ukraine
2Ukrainian Artillery Unit Pounds Russian Forces Despite Ammunition Shortages
3Putin's Foils: The Other Three Names On The Russian Ballot
4Amid 'Repression And Intimidation,' Putin Posts 'Record' Election Win
5Michael Clarke: If Ukraine Can Survive The Year, 'Pendulum Could Shift' Against Russia
6The Azadi Briefing: Taliban's Investment In Iranian Port Signals Shift Away From Pakistan
7Live Briefing: Russia Invades Ukraine
8Europe To Use Frozen Russian Profits To Buy Arms For Ukraine
9In A Whirlwind Of War And Repression, Putin Set To Secure Six More Years In Power
10Six More Years For Putin. Five Things To Watch For.
Subscribe