Authorities in Moldova said Monday they detained 74 people suspected of preparing violent unrest ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections on 28 September, Moldovan media outlet NewsMaker reports.

The arrests highlight concerns about Russian interference in Eastern Europe’s fragile democracies. Moldova, a small former Soviet republic bordering Ukraine and Romania, has recently pursued closer ties with the European Union. 

Moscow has historically exerted influence on the country through political networks, disinformation campaigns, and covert operations. Russian-backed forces have maintained de facto control over Transnistria, a narrow strip of land bordering Ukraine that comprises roughly 12% of Moldova’s territory, since the early 1990s.

Analysts say destabilization efforts ahead of elections could undermine Moldova’s pro-European government and threaten the country’s internal security.

Officials said the suspects had traveled to Serbia for training that included firearms handling, crowd-control tactics, and provocations during protests, allegedly under instruction from Russian citizens. Participants were reportedly paid around €400 each.

The investigation, led by the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office and the General Police Inspectorate, began in July 2025.

Training in Serbia and Russian coordination

Officials said some recruits were lured to Serbia under the pretext of religious pilgrimages before being drawn into the training program. Police said they were also taught how to resist detention by authorities.

Alexandru Musteața, head of Moldova’s intelligence service, said the operation was coordinated by Russian security services, with planning on the ground in Moldova led by Andrei Pavlov, who allegedly directed recruitment through a network linked to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor.

Communication was primarily via Telegram to maintain anonymity, Musteața said.

Authorities carried out more than 250 searches across the country, including at four prisons, and seized weapons, ammunition, camouflage clothing, tents, passports, and other materials.

Police said links to Moldovan political parties and criminal groups were uncovered during the investigation. Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon said four party members were among those detained.

If convicted, the suspects face four to eight years in prison.

The detentions come days after reporting by Bloomberg and the BBC highlighted Russian attempts to influence Moldova’s elections through disinformation and covert operations.

President Maia Sandu has warned that the country’s independence and pro-European course are under direct threat.