Moldovan authorities have carried out over 200 raids targeting individuals allegedly involved in efforts supported by Russia to destabilize the country ahead of parliamentary elections this Sunday. President Maia Sandu warned that Moscow is spending hundreds of millions of euros to influence voter behavior.
The elections are seen as pivotal for Moldova’s European Union accession prospects, prompting concerns that Russia may employ tactics such as disinformation campaigns, mass protests, and vote-buying to thwart pro-European candidates.
According to Moldovan police, investigators and security forces executed 250 raids targeting over 100 individuals, though the political affiliation of those targeted was not disclosed.
“The raids are connected to a criminal case on preparing mass unrest and destabilization, coordinated from the Russian Federation via criminal elements,” the statement said.
Russia has denied interfering in Moldova’s internal affairs, accusing Sandu’s government of fostering anti-Russian sentiment to gain votes.
Moldovan security officials stated that Russian intelligence operatives have been training Moldovan citizens in Serbia on protest tactics. As a result of the raids, 74 individuals were arrested.
Leaders of the pro-Russian Patriots’ Bloc, expected to challenge the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), claimed some of their members were targeted. Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon denounced the raids on Telegram, saying:
“The criminal PAS regime is trying to intimidate us, frighten the people, and silence dissent.”
President Sandu described the upcoming vote as the “most important elections in Moldova’s history,” asserting that Russian interference aims to manipulate polling and keep Chisinau within Moscow’s orbit.
Last month, fugitive tycoon Ilan Shor, sanctioned by the US and EU as an alleged Russian agent, reportedly offered Moldovans $3,000 monthly to join anti-government protests.
In a video statement on Monday, Sandu warned that Moldova’s sovereignty is under threat, emphasizing the broader implications for European security:
“The Kremlin is investing hundreds of millions of euros to buy hundreds of thousands of votes on both banks of the Dniester River and abroad. People are poisoned daily with lies, and hundreds are paid to incite unrest, violence, and fear.”
