There are two keys to understanding Moldovan politics and oligarchs.
A Moldovan oligarch is defined as a person who owns more than five woolen sweaters than can be worn under the (only) sport coat.
Moldovan politics are defined as a period of time between jail and more jail.
A Moldovan oligarch is defined as a person who owns more than five woolen sweaters than can be worn under the (only) sport coat.
Moldovan politics are defined as a period of time between jail and more jail.
In all seriousness, however, you absolutely cannot get any more shady than Vladimir Plahotniuc. This is a dude from the poorest nation in Europe who was deemed too shady and corrupt even for Russia. He is too shady for the deepest of shades. He is more toxic than mercury.
His career is an Ex-Soviet Mobster's Greatest Hits. Anything you can think of is there. Associations with a notorious Solntsevo gang in Russia? Check. Under Interpol surveillance for the last 15 years? Check. Buying politicians and parties in bulk? Check...
Buying himself a government position to raid the treasury and hide the money in offshore accounts? Check. Getting a presidential medal for building churches (a true hallmark of a Russian mobster)? Hella check! Wanted in Russia for attempted murder? Check...
THE HEAD OF A MOTHERFUCKING DRUG CARTEL? You bet your ass that's a check. A head of a money laundering empire which finally got too obvious even for Moldova's politicians and law enforcement (all of which were on his payroll)? Yup.
Think of Pablo Escobar starring in a comedy.
Think of Pablo Escobar starring in a comedy.
This is the dude the new US intelligence czar is associated with.
Unreal.
Unreal.
