Moldovan Tycoon Gets 19 Years in Prison in $1B Bank Fraud Case

Former Moldovan strongman Vladimir Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison for his involvement in a $1 billion banking fraud that left the nation on the verge of bankruptcy over a decade ago.

A court in the capital Chisinau on Wednesday found Plahotniuc guilty on all charges, including creating and leading a criminal organization, fraud and money laundering. He denied any wrongdoing.