Electoral corruption in Moldova: Șor group funds investigated
Since September 2022, significant flows of illegal funds have arrived in the Republic of Moldova from the Russian Federation.
Initially, these funds entered the country through smuggling or cryptocurrency channels and, more recently, via a Russian bank operating under international sanctions. To date, authorities have seized and confiscated a total of 50 million lei, with 28 individuals detained and 35 facing charges. Although Șor’s lawyers continue to resist, General Prosecutor Ion Munteanu assures that law enforcement has “the time, resources, power, and patience” to enforce the law “firmly and fairly.”
How Șor’s funds reach the Republic of Moldova
Political parties and electoral candidates backed by Șor have received financing through a variety of mechanisms since September 2022, including direct transport from the Russian Federation, smuggling, cryptocurrency transactions, and direct funding to individuals or businesses.
In most cases, the funds were used for voter bribery, illicit financing of political parties and candidates, unlawful remuneration of activists, collection of signatures in support of specific candidates, organising transportation for voters to polling stations, and preparing for potential destabilisation efforts if needed.
Since spring 2024, the “Șor criminal organisation” has implemented a new party financing mechanism via the PSB mobile app from the Russian bank “Promsvyazbank,” which is also under international sanctions. In total, over 140,000 PSB accounts have been opened within the country.
Funds have been distributed to members of regional branches of certain political parties, who, in turn, were compensated monthly to pay voters to support a specific presidential candidate, announced just one day before the October 20 elections. These funds were also allocated for organising rallies, flash mobs, and protest actions.
Law enforcement actions: over 50 million lei seized
To counteract the “criminal group’s” efforts to undermine democracy in our country, law enforcement has, to date, conducted over 800 searches and 380 specialised investigative actions, leading to the detention of 28 individuals and charges against more than 35. The total value of the seized and confiscated funds exceeds 50 million lei.
The head of the General Prosecutor’s Office noted that every stage of the investigation faces substantial challenges from lawyers, often on “absurd grounds,” aimed at delaying or obstructing criminal proceedings.
Munteanu’s appeal to prosecutors and lawyers
Șor’s group operates with financial and strategic support from foreign entities, warned Munteanu, the head of the General Prosecutor’s Office, calling for unity in the face of this “unprecedented challenge” intended to destabilise the country. Munteanu stated that institutional effectiveness depends on a stable and predictable legislative framework.
“It is unreasonable to demand courage and relentless work from individuals subject to endless, often spontaneous reforms, initiated by experts who rarely consult field professionals. A minimal level of legislative stability is essential for the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies. We have been branded with a label of corruption amidst ongoing, rapid structural and procedural reforms that lack sufficient risk and consequence analysis on the actual capabilities of law enforcement. I repeat, behind every case stand hundreds of documents and dozens of procedures. And we are addressing thousands of cases. Prosecutors do not create the law; prosecutors apply it.”
Translation by Iurie Tataru
