Maia Sandu warns: Russia plans to rig autumn elections using €100 million in crypto and paid protests
President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu warned that Russia intends to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections in the fall through various destabilizing actions. These include disinformation campaigns, hidden funding, and organized protests. Sandu made these statements during a press conference following a meeting of the Supreme Security Council, where measures to combat foreign interference and manipulation of information in the electoral process were discussed.
The head of state has revealed that the Kremlin is expected to allocate approximately 100 million euros—specifically from cryptocurrencies—to support candidates and groups aimed at undermining elections in the Republic of Moldova. Among the identified entities are the so-called “sovereignist current,” the “Sor” group, and independent candidates who profess to be pro-European but have ties to Moscow.
The president also reported that the authorities are conducting an aggressive campaign to discredit political leaders, European officials, and journalists. Russia is exploiting paid protests and spreading false information regarding the war and ongoing crises.
Additionally, the president highlighted that Russia uses digital platforms, such as Telegram, which reportedly refuse to cooperate with Moldovan institutions.
Maia Sandu further directed a message to priests who support these actions: "It is a sin!" She accused the Church of being involved in efforts to influence voters.
Other methods mentioned include cyberattacks on public institutions, fake emails sent to the diaspora, suspicious micro-lending, and the promotion of aggressive populist movements.
