Moldova conducts mass arrests citing ‘Russian influence’

Moldovan authorities have arrested 74 people ahead of the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Moldovan police have arrested 74 people on suspicion of preparing unrest ahead of the country’s upcoming parliamentary election, following a wave of some 250 raids across the EU-candidate country.

In a statement released on Monday Chisinau claimed that a network of activists sought to amplify “Russian influence” and that the raids were part of a criminal probe into financing and preparation of “mass riots and destabilization.”

Moscow has denied any involvement in any such network and on Tuesday warned that European NATO members have already deployed troops to Western Ukraine, to prepare for a military intervention into Moldova post-election.

Moldovan authorities claimed that “the ultimate goal” of the alleged network was to “undermine the country’s electoral process, in order to amplify the influence of the Russian Federation and weaken trust in democratic institutions.”

The suspects, men aged 19-45, repeatedly travelled to Serbia under false pretenses, such as pilgrimages, in order to receive instruction from individuals allegedly affiliated with Russian special services on how to trigger disorder.

Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu claimed that Moscow is conducting a “hybrid war” and spending “hundreds of millions of euros” to sway the elections, scheduled for September 28.

Russia Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova rejected the allegations, stating that the “ruling circles in Moldova and their European sponsors are trying to preserve their monopoly on power,” as Moldovans are unhappy with deteriorating economic conditions.

Moldova’s politics has been polarized by Chisinau’s relations with Brussels. In 2023, Chisinau banned the Euroskeptic Sor party, led by exiled businessman Ilan Shor, which advocated for closer ties with Russia.

Tensions mounted last month by the conviction of the governor of Moldova’s autonomous predominantly Russian-speaking Gagauzia Region, Evgenia Gutsul, , for allegedly channeling funds from Russia to the Sor party and financing protests. Gutsul, who recently triumphed in regional elections, has been sentenced to seven years in prison, which she is appealing.