Moldova convicts five in EU referendum vote-buying case
A court in northern Moldova has convicted five individuals for electoral corruption. The group attempted to influence the 2024 European integration referendum by offering food items in exchange for "NO" votes.
Judicial sanctions and fines
Four defendants received fines of €2,300 (approx. 45,000 MDL) each. A fifth individual was ordered to pay €2,550 (approx. 50,000 MDL). Authorities have seized seven agricultural plots, an apartment, and a house to ensure payment.
The oligarch connection
The Drochia Prosecutor's Office identified the lead convict as the head of a Dondușeni territorial organization. The group is linked to a political bloc affiliated with fugitive pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor.
Psychological manipulation and bribes
The scheme targeted a gathering of 250 people in Dondușeni on September 19, 2024. Prosecutors state the organizers used psychological manipulation to discourage EU support.
Following the meeting, participants received branded bags containing honey, tea, and pastries. These small "gifts" were conditioned on voting against Moldova's constitutional amendment regarding European Union membership.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
