In Moldova, a large-scale Russian operation aimed at influencing the results of a referendum on the country's EU membership and the presidential elections has been uncovered. The aggressor country has bribed over 130,000 citizens.
This was reported by NewsMaker and Bloomberg.
Viorel Chiornuțanu, the head of Moldova's General Inspectorate of Police, stated that in September alone, $15 million was transferred from Russia to the accounts of Moldovan citizens. They were to spread disinformation, carry out provocations, and attack state institutions.
"Russia aims not only to corrupt voters but also to provoke protests and destabilize the territory of Moldova," Chiornuțanu noted.
According to him, the payments are made through transfers to bank cards linked to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Those who have been bribed receive instructions via Telegram on how to vote and spread false information about the EU.
Additionally, Veronica Dragalin, head of Moldova's Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, stated that citizens who opened bank accounts in Russia face fines, asset confiscation, or imprisonment.
"We appeal to everyone who provided their personal data to open bank accounts in Russia. These individuals are participating in the scheme. We know who they are and the amounts of money that are being transferred to this bank in Russia. For clarity: people who participate in this face not only a fine of over 37,000 lei but also the confiscation of all funds received in a foreign account. [...] We have the right to arrest their property in Moldova: cars, land, houses. [...] You face a fine, confiscation of property, or even imprisonment," she explained.
According to the official, Moldovan citizens who report the scheme, return the illegally obtained money, and cooperate with the investigation may avoid punishment.
