Over 70 people detained in Moldova after training in Serbia for election-related unrest
Photo: 74 people detained in Moldova on suspicion of preparing unrest during the elections (Getty Images)
In Moldova, during raids on September 22, 74 people were detained on suspicion of having undergone training in Serbia to organize mass unrest during the parliamentary elections on September 28, NewsMaker reports.
According to law enforcement, Russian special services are behind the operation, and the suspects are linked both to Moldovan political parties and to criminal groups.
Victor Furtună, head of the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime, stated that the investigation into the preparation of mass unrest began in July 2025.
Since then, authorities have uncovered the activities of a group of individuals who systematically traveled to Serbia to participate in training aimed at destabilizing the situation in Moldova.
In Serbia, they were trained in the handling of firearms and special equipment, receiving around €400 for their participation.
Police chief Viorel Cernăuțanu said that most of the participants were instructed by Russian citizens. Some Moldovans were persuaded to go to Serbia under the pretext of a pilgrimage, but once there, they were drawn into preparations for unrest.
They were also trained on how to act in the event of detention by law enforcement and legal prosecution, Cernăuțanu added.
As a result of the raids, authorities seized weapons, ammunition, tents, camouflage clothing, passports, and other physical evidence.
It is noted that if the suspects are found guilty in court, they face between four and eight years in prison.
Russia interferes in Moldovan elections
According to the Center for Countering Disinformation of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, Russia has developed a multi-level plan to influence the parliamentary elections in Moldova, scheduled for September 28.
The goal is to derail the country’s path to EU membership, discredit President Maia Sandu, and strengthen the positions of pro-Russian forces.
Earlier, the President of Moldova accused Russia of interfering in the country’s parliamentary elections, stating that the disinformation campaign is also targeting the diaspora.
