According to the police, behind the operation was a pro-Russian businessman.
Moldovan police raided 25 properties on Thursday as part of an investigation they say uncovered a large-scale Russian election influence operation.
According to the police, at least 15 million dollars were transferred from Russia to the citizens of Moldova in September alone, which were supposed to be used to buy votes in the upcoming presidential elections.
According to the police, the money was meant to buy the votes of more than a hundred thousand people. They were to be paid to also vote against Moldova’s EU membership, which will be held in a referendum in connection with the presidential election.
According to the police, behind the influence operation was a pro-Russian businessman and former politician To Ilan Shor linked people. Shor was convicted in absentia of fraud last year. He has denied all the charges.
Moldova will hold presidential elections on the 20th of this month.