Moldova's intelligence exposes Russia's intentions to interfere with parliamentary elections in 2025

This was reported by Politico.

Presenting a report on Russia's interference in the presidential election and the referendum on accession to the European Union organized by Chișinău in October, Musteața warned members of parliament that the situation could be repeated in next year's parliamentary elections.

According to the chief of Moldova's intelligence service, the Kremlin will use the same tactics in the upcoming vote.

“This strategy is based on political and electoral corruption, disinformation and manipulation, as well as street protests and unrest,” Musteața said, adding that Moldovan security services are increasing oversight of organizations in the country that might have a connection to Russia.

Musteața recalled that vote-buying was one of the key methods used by Moscow to influence the results of the October referendum, where pro-European forces won, despite the Kremlin's attempts to force voters to support a pro-Russian course.

The report also discusses the role of Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who, according to investigators, facilitated the laundering of funds intended for bribing voters. 

The publication noted that Shor, the founder of a banned pro-Russian party, is a key figure in the interference schemes used by Moscow to realize its goals in Moldova.

Elections in Moldova

On October 20, Moldova held a national referendum on EU accession and presidential elections. The incumbent President Maia Sandu (42%) and former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo (26%) made it to the second round of the election, while the referendum was won by supporters of EU accession (50.35%).

Before the first round and the referendum, the Moldovan police exposed the activities of a powerful Russian vote-buying network in the country, funded by the fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor.

On November 3, 2024, Moldova held a second round of presidential elections, which resulted in the victory of the current pro-European president, Maia Sandu.

Moldovan presidential candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo conceded defeat in the election only 2 days after the results were announced.