Moldovan Spy Chief Warns of Russian Interference in 2025 Parliamentary Elections

Russia Eyes Influence Over Moldova's 2025 Parliamentary Election, Warns Intelligence Chief

Russia is seeking to exert influence over Moldova’s parliamentary election in 2025, according to Alexandru Musteața, director of Moldova’s Security and Intelligence Service (SIS). Speaking before members of parliament on Thursday, Musteața detailed Russian interference efforts in recent Moldovan elections, including the presidential election and October’s European Union accession referendum.

Presenting SIS’s findings, Musteața warned of Moscow’s intent to replicate its previous playbook to sway the 2025 vote. “This strategy is rooted in political and electoral corruption, disinformation, manipulation, and the orchestration of street protests and unrest,” he stated. Moldova’s security services are stepping up their monitoring of organizations with potential ties to Russia to counter these threats, he added.

In October’s referendum, which saw citizens vote in favor of joining the European Union, and in the presidential election that affirmed support for pro-Western President Maia Sandu, Russian interference involved tactics like vote-buying and disinformation campaigns, Musteața said. Despite these efforts, pro-EU factions ultimately prevailed in both cases.

According to SIS investigations, fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor played a central role in facilitating Russia’s interference. Shor, the founder of a now-banned pro-Russian political party, allegedly laundered funds meant to bribe voters through a network of banks. The bribes targeted voters to oppose EU membership and to support Kremlin-backed candidates.

The intelligence report outlined multiple methods used in Russia’s interference campaign and identified Shor as a key figure in implementing the Kremlin’s efforts to destabilize Moldova. Musteața underscored the ongoing risks and reiterated the need for vigilance as Moldova prepares for its next major election.

The Moldovan government continues to strengthen its defenses against foreign interference, as the small Eastern European nation remains a key geopolitical battleground amid Russia’s broader efforts to extend its influence in the region.