Moldovan Police: Russia is Paying Individuals to Vote Against EU in Referendum
Moldova’s police chief has revealed that pro-Russian groups are bribing tens of thousands of voters to disrupt the country’s plans to join the European Union.
National police chief Viorel Cernautanu stated that over 130,000 Moldovans were bribed to vote against joining the EU in the referendum on Oct. 20 and in favor of pro-Kremlin candidates in the election held on the same day, calling it an unprecedented direct attack.
During a press conference on Thursday, Cernautanu explained, “We are facing a widespread issue of financing and corruption aimed at interfering with the electoral process in Moldova.”
He revealed that approximately $15 million was transferred in September to accounts at Russia’s Promsvyazbank.
The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, initiated a referendum asking voters if Moldova should become a member of the 27-member EU.
Moldova was officially granted EU candidate status in June 2022.
On Oct. 8, the European Parliament members will discuss the situation in Moldova and vote on a resolution on Oct. 9 condemning Russia’s interference in the country’s elections.
Sandu, who is also running for re-election in the presidential election on the same day, has urged voters to vote yes in the referendum and accused Russia of attempting to overthrow her government, a claim denied by the Kremlin.
In response to Sandu’s accusations, the Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed them as baseless and unfounded.
In June 2023, the Moldovan Constitutional Court banned the ȘOR Party, led by Ilan Shor, a pro-Russian businessman who had relocated to Russia after being accused of financial fraud.
Moldova, with a Romanian-speaking majority and a Russian-speaking minority, is situated between EU and NATO member Romania and Ukraine.
Transnistria, a region in eastern Moldova, supported by Russian troops, maintains autonomy after seeking independence post the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Eleven candidates are contesting in the presidential election, ranging from pro-West to pro-Russian.
A Moldovan government minister, Infrastructure Minister Andrei Spinu, urged voters to reject corrupt individuals and propaganda ahead of the referendum.
Sandu strongly opposes Russia’s actions in Ukraine and believes Moscow poses a significant threat to Moldova’s future.
Both Sandu and her rival Alexandr Stoianoglo hold Moldovan and Romanian passports, with Stoianoglo being backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists.
Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report.
