Moldovan authorities carried out more than 100 raids on Monday over alleged Russian-backed efforts to destabilize the country ahead of pivotal parliamentary elections which which officials believe the Kremlin is trying to influence through meddling.
The September 28 vote could shift Moldova away from its bid to join the European Union. The government says Moscow is attempting to skew the outcome through disinformation, organizing mass riots, and vote-buying.
Moldovan police said Monday that investigators and security forces had conducted 250 searches against more than 100 people. They did not provide further details.
“The searches are related to a criminal case into the preparation of mass riots and destabilization, which were coordinated from the Russian Federation through criminal elements,” a police statement said.
The co-leader of Moldova’s pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, which is expected to pose a stiff challenge to the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), said some of its members were targeted.
“The criminal PAS regime is trying to intimidate us, frighten the people, and silence us,” Igor Dodon, a former president who has friendly relations with Russia said on the Telegram messaging app.
Pro-European President Maia Sandu has described Sunday’s vote as the “most consequential election” in Moldova’s history and warned that Moscow wants to influence voters to keep Chisinau within its orbit.
Last month, fugitive Moldovan tycoon Ilan Shor, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. and EU as an alleged Russian agent, offered Moldovans monthly payments of $3,000 to join anti-government protests.
Russia has denied interfering in Moldova’s domestic affairs.
Russian-funded disinformation network exposed by BBC in Moldova ahead of crucial Sept. 28 elections
