Moldova: Over 130,000 Bribed by Russia-Managed Network to Vote Against EU Referendum, Police Claim
Moldovan authorities have accused a Russia-managed network of bribing over 130,000 citizens to vote against the country’s bid for European Union membership. This allegation was made by National Police Chief Viorel Cernăuțeanu, who described the situation as an “unprecedented, direct attack” on Moldova’s democratic process.
The bribing scheme involves significant financial incentives, with some €13.5 million transferred to accounts at Russia’s Promsvyazbank in September alone. Ilan Shor, a pro-Russian oligarch living in exile, has been implicated in the corruption allegations. Shor has been accused of running a criminal group that receives substantial funds from Moscow to influence the vote.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S., Canada, and the UK issuing a joint statement expressing concerns about the Kremlin’s use of criminal groups to finance political activities in Moldova. The European Union is also monitoring the situation closely, with a debate scheduled to take place next Tuesday to discuss Russia’s attempts to interfere in Moldova’s presidential elections and EU referendum.
