Kremlin's influence on Moldova: Nesterovschi's escape to Transnistria
The Kremlin is seeking to influence Moldova’s politics at any cost, and the flight of convicted lawmaker Alexandr Nesterovschi to the Transnistrian region, aided by Russian diplomatic support, represents further proof of this.
This statement was made by Prime Minister Dorin Recean during a press conference alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who was visiting Chișinău.
The Prime Minister assured that state institutions are working hard to identify and bring the two convicted lawmakers—Alexandr Nesterovschi and Irina Lozovan—to justice so they can serve their sentences as decreed by the court.
"I have previously stated that the Kremlin consistently shows its lack of respect for Moldova, its citizens, and here we have further confirmation that they are determined to control Moldova’s political direction at any cost, even engaging in protecting criminals and lawbreakers. Now, state institutions are working to identify and apprehend these individuals so they can serve their prison sentences as ordered by the court," said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock refrained from commenting on specific cases but strongly reiterated the importance of fighting corruption at all levels and strengthening the judiciary system.
"Corruption poisons both justice and democracy, and it is the responsibility of democratic states, especially those within the EU or aspiring to join the EU, to not only strengthen justice but also combat corruption intensively at all levels. It is vital not only for democracy but also for European integration, for the state to implement legal accountability, so no one from third-party states interferes in these processes. Of course, it is not the role of other embassies or countries to negatively influence or place barriers on these processes. We see this destabilization in the European space more often now, so it is crucial that we protect our common European values."
Lawmaker Alexandr Nesterovschi, affiliated with fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor, was sentenced on March 19 to 12 years in prison for passive bribery and illegal financing of a political party. The sentence was pronounced in absentia. His colleague, lawmaker Irina Lozovan, accused of receiving $30,000 from Șor to bribe the mayor of Ocnița, was sentenced on March 31 to six years in prison. Though they have been convicted and are on the run, both lawmakers remain at large.
The Information and Security Service (SIS) has already announced that Nesterovschi fled to the Transnistrian region a day before being sentenced. He reportedly managed to escape with the assistance of the Russian Embassy in Chișinău. SIS Chief Alexandru Musteața stated that the operation is part of a hybrid warfare strategy orchestrated by Russia against Moldova.
President Maia Sandu described Russia's actions as "hostile" and accused the Kremlin of interfering in Moldova’s judiciary. The President acknowledged that the flight of the two lawmakers to the left bank of the Dniester complicates matters, given that the territory is not under the control of the constitutional authorities, and the regime in Tiraspol is loyal to Moscow. Experts suggest that only with unofficial cooperation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Dniester could these individuals be brought to justice.
In an official reaction, the Russian Embassy called the SIS statements "groundless and unacceptable," and the so-called authorities in Tiraspol claimed not to know the whereabouts of pro-Russian lawmaker Alexandr Nesterovschi.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
