A secret Russian-funded network is aimed at disrupting Moldova’s upcoming elections, as uncovered by a BBC investigation using an undercover reporter. The network encourages participants to spread pro-Russian propaganda and fake news against Moldova’s pro-EU ruling party in exchange for payment. This includes secretly recording supporters of the opposition and conducting illegal polls to discredit the election results.
The network has ties to Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who is sanctioned by the US and UK for his role in Kremlin influence operations and now resides in Moscow. Another link is to the NGO Evrazia, also sanctioned for attempting to sway voter sentiment against EU membership. As Moldova prepares for its parliamentary election on September 28, the chief of police noted a shift from monetary coercion to disinformation tactics.
Undercover access revealed that recruits attended seminars and were instructed on creating impactful social media posts, including misinformation about the ruling government. The network reportedly has around 90 TikTok accounts with a vast reach, manipulating public perception ahead of the elections. Evidence suggests the network is bankrolled from Russia, with calls for funds captured during undercover filming. TikTok and Meta have responded by enhancing safety measures, while the Russian embassy denied any involvement in falsifying information or election interference.
