Moldova arrests mercenaries linked to Ukraine's Donetsk region
Three mercenaries from Chișinău, Bălți, and Ialoveni, suspected of fighting in Ukraine's Donetsk region, have been arrested, according to the Police of the Republic of Moldova.
The suspects, aged 32 and 33, include one individual from Ialoveni who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2015 in Moldova after admitting to mercenary activities in Luhansk and Donetsk, undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, according to a ruling by the Chișinău Court.
The arrests were made during an international operation named "Avengers," coordinated by Europol and supported by the masked officers of the "Fulger" special police brigade. The operation included 50 searches in various regions of the country and targeted other mercenaries aged 25 to 45, including individuals from the left bank of the Dniester.
According to authorities, the suspects were allegedly enlisted in the Wagner group – specifically the 'Somalia' battalion – as well as other formations within the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic of Russia. Some of them were awarded honors and medals for their illegal mercenary activities.
Under the law, the suspects face up to 10 years in prison. Investigations are ongoing regarding individuals targeted in the searches who are not currently in the country, during which time the suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
