Vlad Plahotniuc, Moldova's former richest man, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in a major banking fraud case known as the 'theft of the century.' He was found guilty of receiving over $40 million from a scheme involving $1 billion, which constituted 12% of Moldova's GDP. Plahotniuc, who denies wrongdoing, plans to appeal. The fraud led to significant financial repercussions for Moldova, and he has faced multiple corruption charges since fleeing the country in 2019.