Moldova Accuses Russia of Voter Bribery to Block EU Integration

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Moldova is warning of a sophisticated scheme orchestrated by Russia to sway its upcoming elections and referendum by paying citizens to vote against closer ties with the European Union. According to top Moldovan officials, a mafia-style network has been built by Moscow, funneling cash to influence voters in a crucial decision on the country’s future.

 

Viorel Cernăuțeanu, Moldova's chief of police, told POLITICO on Thursday, “Moldova is facing a phenomenon of voter bribery, combined with hybrid warfare and disinformation, the likes of which our country has never seen before.” He explained that the plot involves over $15 million in Russian funds, which have been funneled into the accounts of more than 130,000 Moldovan citizens in just the last month. This alarming development has led authorities to hold a press conference to expose the details of Russia’s plan.

 

At the center of this operation is Ilan Shor, a pro-Russian oligarch who founded the now-banned Shor Party. Authorities claim Shor has been using his network of banks to launder the money intended for voter bribes. Local activists, backed by Russian coordinators, have reportedly been distributing cash to Moldovans via the messaging platform Telegram. Cernăuțeanu said, “This ‘mafia-style’ network, orchestrated from Moscow, aims to influence voters ahead of the presidential elections and EU referendum.”

 

The stakes are high as the referendum on October 20 will determine whether Moldova strengthens its ties with the West by joining the EU, while the simultaneous election pits pro-Western President Maia Sandu against pro-Russian opposition figures. Despite being declared unconstitutional last year, Shor’s political party continues to play a pivotal role in the Kremlin’s efforts to keep Moldova from moving closer to the EU.

 

These revelations come at a critical moment, just as Moldova’s national security adviser, Stanislav Secrieru, warned of Russia’s increasing interference. Secrieru told POLITICO that Russia has launched an “unprecedented onslaught” of propaganda and intimidation ahead of the referendum. He predicted that Moscow would spend around €100 million this year alone to manipulate Moldova’s democratic processes.

 

Moldova, granted EU candidate status in June 2022, has begun accession talks with the bloc. However, Russia continues to wield significant influence over the country, not only through its control over energy supplies but also through its penetration of Moldova’s state institutions. Last summer, Ukrainian intelligence reported a Russian-funded plot to overthrow Sandu’s government, with Ilan Shor named as the key player in the alleged coup. Shor has since been sanctioned by the EU.

 

In response to these escalating threats, the EU has deployed a civilian mission to Moldova aimed at bolstering the country’s defenses against Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics. A senior Moldovan official, speaking anonymously, emphasized the importance of cooperating with Brussels to counter Russia’s interference. “We are learning important lessons as we defend our democracy in this electoral cycle—lessons the EU can also benefit from as they will likely face similar, but more refined, tactics in the future,” the official said. 

 

As Moldova prepares for this pivotal vote, the extent of Russian influence over the country’s democratic processes has never been clearer.

 

Based on a report from Politico 2024-10-04