The Moldovan government has raised alarms about the influx of at least €100 million (approximately $106 million) from Russia aimed at influencing the country’s upcoming elections and the pro-European Union referendum scheduled for October 20.
Not First Time
This situation is not an isolated incident; in June, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada warned that Moscow was attempting to meddle in Moldova’s political landscape, with potential plans to incite large-scale protests if its electoral strategy failed, according to a report by Ziare
Last spring, Moldovan customs officials made a significant discovery. Acting on tips from national intelligence services, they intercepted over 100 travelers arriving from Russia via Armenia, each carrying packages of cash totaling just under €10,000 (about $10,600) — the threshold for mandatory declaration.
In a single night, authorities at Chișinău airport seized more than €900,000 (approximately $954,000).
Moldovan officials quickly declared that these cash couriers were part of a scheme allegedly orchestrated by a Kremlin-linked oligarch to finance protesters and buy votes for the upcoming presidential elections and the critical EU referendum.
1,500 Russian Troops
Olga Roșca, a foreign policy advisor to pro-Western President Maia Sandu, stated, “Russia is pouring millions in dirty money to derail our democratic processes. This is not just interference; it is outright meddling aimed at destabilizing our future, and it is alarming.”
President Sandu, who is seeking reelection this month, champions a pro-European agenda and is recognized for her anti-corruption reforms.
The elections on October 20 coincide with a referendum asking Moldovans whether they support constitutional changes that could eventually lead to EU membership for this impoverished European nation.
Since gaining independence after the Soviet Union's collapse, Moldova has oscillated between pro-European and pro-Russian orientations, with the Kremlin's shadow always looming. Currently, Russia maintains around 1,500 troops in Transnistria, a breakaway region controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
