Moldova Accuses Russia of €200 Million Election Interference

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean accused Russian agents of spending approximately €200 million in 2024 to undermine the country's democratic processes through a coordinated vote-buying campaign aimed at the presidential election and a referendum on EU accession. This allegation coincided with the UK's announcement of sanctions against the pro-Russian NGO Evrazia, linked to fugitive businessman Ilan Shor, who has been previously convicted of fraud and is believed to have orchestrated these operations with Russian intelligence support. The UK Foreign Office emphasized its commitment to countering attempts to disrupt democracy, describing the sanctions as essential for maintaining public trust and rule of law. Reports indicate that Evrazia allegedly bribed around 130,000 citizens in Moldova to influence voting behavior, further complicating the country's political landscape. The Kremlin has denied the allegations, accusing Moldova's government of promoting disinformation and anti-Russian sentiments. As Moldova seeks closer ties with the European Union, the situation underscores the geopolitical tensions in the region amidst ongoing Russian interference.