“Taito” app is a trap; Moldovans risk huge fines, warns Interior Minister
The "Taito" application is a tool utilized by the Russian Federation for illegal financing, electoral corruption, and the abusive collection of personal data from citizens of the Republic of Moldova, according to warnings from the authorities in Chisinau. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, is urging the public not to install or use this application, as individuals involved in this scheme may face fines amounting to tens of thousands of lei.
"It is a tool that, unfortunately, the Russian Federation continues to use to illegally finance, provoke electoral corruption, and facilitate data theft and personal information breaches. I urge you not to use or download this application, as it can cause you much more harm," stated Daniella Misail-Nichitin, the Minister of Internal Affairs, on Wednesday, August 6, before the Government meeting.
The Minister also warned about the risks associated with using the application, emphasizing that the Police are closely monitoring the situation.
"Do not download it or use it, as you may become the subject of an investigation. As you know, the fines for electoral corruption are very high, potentially reaching 37,500 lei or even more, depending on the severity and complexity of these acts," the Minister reminded.
When discussing the extent of the issue, Daniella Misail-Nichitin noted that the application is being promoted locally by activists connected to the Telegram network.
"At the community level, there are activists who promote this application through Telegram. At this moment, I cannot provide specific data, as the Police are still investigating and gathering evidence," said the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Authorities indicate that accessing the application requires the transmission of sensitive information, including photos of identity documents, phone numbers, and a video of the user's face, which is used for authentication purposes.
Moreover, citizens consent to the processing of this data, and the promised payments ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 lei per month are often not fulfilled.
