Moldova alleges Russian plot involving crypto, protests, and disinformation

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has warned that Russia is planning to interfere in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections in September through disinformation campaigns, covert funding, and paid protests.

Sandu alleged that the Kremlin intends to rig the elections through 10 main tools, including pouring around €100 million via cryptocurrency to influence the vote and destabilize the political environment.

She said the strategy also involves using the church to sway voters, orchestrating protests, and spreading disinformation online to “increase the level of stress in society and citizens’ distrust in the state of the Republic of Moldova.”