On October 31, Moldovan police reported the detention of five individuals suspected of preparing sabotage against state institutions. According to investigators, the group planned to set fire to the building of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the vehicles of police officers. Law enforcement officials claim that the action was commissioned by a person located in Moscow, who promised the perpetrators a reward of $5,000, as reported by Newsmaker.
Suspicion arose among police officers after security recently noticed a man photographing cars in the parking lot near the General Inspectorate of Police building in Chișinău. He was unable to explain his actions, leading to increased surveillance of state institutions. Later, police recorded similar activities occurring near the CEC, where other suspicious individuals were also photographing vehicles.
On the night of October 30 to 31, police prevented an attempt to set fire to vehicles near their building around 3:00 AM. Soon after, around 6:00 AM, officers noticed another group near the CEC attempting to ignite the entrance door of the building. Police detained five suspects—three men and two women—who arrived from Slobozia and Tiraspol.
During interrogation, the detainees stated that they were acting on the instructions of a person from Moscow, known to them as Vladimir, who promised to pay them for photo reports of the arson. Investigators discovered correspondence in the suspects' phones with the organizer, containing instructions and discussions about payment for the vandalism.
Police also reported that the group had previously received similar assignments, including committing acts of vandalism at the Appeals Chamber building. The suspects have been placed in custody for 72 hours, and an investigation is underway.
