Moldovan officials have accused Russia of trying to interfere in the country’s upcoming presidential election and a referendum on European Union membership by bribing voters.
The election and referendum, set for October 20, are seen as crucial for Moldova’s future.
Moldova’s police chief, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, told Politico that over $15 million has been transferred from Russia to the accounts of more than 130,000 Moldovans in the last month.
The money, he said, is part of a scheme led by pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor.
The plan, according to authorities and news reports, aims to get people to vote against Moldova's EU membership and support opposition to President Maia Sandu, who is running for reelection.
Cernăuțeanu said that this is part of a larger attempt by Russia to bribe voters and spread disinformation.
"Moldova is facing a phenomenon of voter bribery, combined with hybrid warfare and disinformation, the likes of which our country has never seen before,” he said.
Investigators believe Shor, who founded a now-banned pro-Russian political party, is working with Russian coordinators to influence the vote. The money is reportedly distributed via the messaging platform Telegram, mobilizing local activists to convince people to vote against the EU.
Shor and his supporters are campaigning to block Moldova’s EU accession and prevent Sandu’s reelection. Despite his party being banned last year, Shor remains influential in pro-Russian political circles.
Moldova has been increasingly concerned about Russian interference as the country shifts towards the West. Recently, a former Moldovan General Staff chief was charged with treason for allegedly spying for Russia, highlighting the ongoing threats Moldova faces as it moves closer to Europe.
