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Moldova Raids 250 Sites, Detains 74 in Pre‑Election Crackdown on Alleged Russia‑Linked Plot

Opponents label the operations intimidation, with prosecutors also probing alleged vote‑buying and illegal financing ahead of the 28 September vote.

Overview

  • Officials say a GRU‑linked network was dismantled after nationwide searches, with suspects accused of planning mass unrest tied to the election.
  • Authorities report more than 100 Moldovans were trained in Serbia by Russian instructors to use firearms and attack police, with recruits paid €400 each.
  • President Maia Sandu alleges the Kremlin is spending hundreds of millions of euros to buy votes and spread disinformation to sway the result.
  • The National Anti‑Corruption Centre and Chișinău prosecutors conducted separate raids in cases involving suspected illegal party financing, money laundering and voter bribery, leading to at least one arrest.
  • Pro‑Russian leader Igor Dodon says searches targeted his allies and calls the actions intimidation, as polls indicate PAS may lead but could require partners to govern.