Moldova is grappling with an extensive Russian operation allegedly aimed at preventing the country from aligning with the European Union (EU).
The operation, reportedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence, has involved the bribery of over 130,000 Moldovan citizens in an attempt to sway public opinion and interfere in upcoming elections and an EU membership referendum. The payments are believed to have been funneled through Russian-controlled accounts to influence voting behavior and stir unrest.
The Scope of the Operation: $15 Million Transferred in September Alone
Viorel Chiornuțanu, head of Moldova’s General Inspectorate of Police, disclosed that in September 2024, Russia transferred at least $15 million to Moldovan bank accounts. These funds were directed to individuals who, in exchange, spread disinformation, incited protests, and orchestrated attacks on state institutions, creating an atmosphere of political instability. Chiornuțanu emphasized that Russia’s ultimate goal was to disrupt Moldova’s trajectory toward EU integration, a key issue in the upcoming national referendum and presidential elections.
“Russia aims not only to corrupt voters but also to provoke protests and destabilize the territory of Moldova,”
Chiornuțanu said in a statement, illustrating the broad implications of the operation for Moldova’s sovereignty and democratic process.
The operation reportedly utilizes sophisticated techniques to influence Moldovan citizens. Payments are processed through Moldovan bank cards linked to the Russian Ministry of Defense, and those participating in the scheme receive detailed instructions via the encrypted messaging platform Telegram. These instructions include guidelines on how to vote, how to disseminate anti-EU propaganda, and how to mislead the public about Moldova’s prospective EU membership.
The goal of these efforts is to create a wave of opposition to EU integration, portraying the EU as a destabilizing force that threatens Moldova’s sovereignty and values. Pro-Russian narratives are being pushed heavily by those receiving these illicit payments, thus undermining public trust in democratic institutions.
Veronica Dragalin, the head of Moldova’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, has issued stern warnings to Moldovans participating in this scheme. She noted that individuals who have opened bank accounts in Russia as part of this bribery network face significant legal consequences, including fines, asset confiscation, and imprisonment. Fines for participating in the scheme can exceed 37,000 lei, and all illegally received funds will be confiscated.
“People who participate in this scheme face not only a fine of over 37,000 lei but also the confiscation of all funds received in foreign accounts, Their property in Moldova—cars, land, houses—can be seized. They face a fine, property confiscation, or even imprisonment,”
Dragalin stated, emphasizing the severe penalties for those involved in the Russian bribery network.
In an attempt to encourage transparency and deter future participation in such schemes, Dragalin noted that Moldovan citizens who report their involvement in the operation and cooperate with authorities could avoid severe punishment. Those who come forward voluntarily, return the money, and provide valuable information to investigators will likely face more lenient consequences.
This approach aims to break down the network from within by encouraging participants to turn against the Russian scheme and aid Moldovan law enforcement in dismantling the operation.
This revelation comes at a time when Moldova’s political landscape is extremely fragile. Russia’s influence in Moldova has been a longstanding issue, and the country is divided between pro-Russian factions and those seeking closer ties with the EU. With presidential elections on the horizon and the country set to vote on a critical EU membership referendum, the stakes could not be higher.
Russia’s efforts to disrupt Moldova’s democratic processes are part of a larger strategy that Moscow has employed in other post-Soviet states, such as Ukraine and Georgia. The goal is to maintain influence in the region by preventing these countries from integrating into Western alliances like the EU and NATO, which Russia views as existential threats to its geopolitical interests.
Moldova, which shares a border with Ukraine and has a pro-EU government led by President Maia Sandu, has increasingly found itself at the center of Russian disinformation campaigns. The current bribery scandal is just the latest in a series of efforts to destabilize Moldova and undermine its path toward European integration.
In response to these revelations, Moldova’s government has taken measures to fortify its democratic institutions and shore up support for EU integration. Public awareness campaigns have been launched to inform citizens about the dangers of foreign influence and disinformation. Additionally, Moldova has strengthened its partnerships with European nations and organizations to ensure a transparent and fair election process.
The Moldovan government is also ramping up efforts to investigate and prosecute those involved in the bribery scheme. Cooperation with international agencies, including the EU and Interpol, is being pursued to trace the financial flows linked to the Russian operation.
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