Head of Shor-affiliated “Pobeda” Bloc in Balti detained for illegal funding and electoral corruption
A 56-year-old man from Chisinau, who served as the president of the Balti territorial office of the "Pobeda" Bloc—an organization linked to the "Sor" criminal group—was detained on Friday, October 24. He was apprehended by officers of the National Investigation Inspectorate (INI) after allegedly hiding in the Transnistrian region for a period of time and coordinating illegal activities from the left bank of the Nistru.
According to the General Inspectorate of Police, the detention took place as part of a large-scale investigation targeting voter corruption, illegal financing of political parties and money laundering.
In September this year, police officers conducted 46 searches in several localities in the Republic of Moldova, including at the home of the man detained today, in cases targeting individuals involved in the criminal network.
The investigations revealed that a group of individuals, with well-established roles, had acted in the interest of the organization, trying to influence voters in the context of the parliamentary elections of September 28, 2025. Funds from suspicious sources were allegedly used to carry out these actions.
Law enforcement officers mention that, during the searches, the man was not at home.
Later, law enforcement officers found that he was hiding in the Transnistrian region, from which he continued to coordinate the criminal group's activities.
On October 24, the suspect was detained.
He is being investigated for illegal financing of political parties and initiative groups, electoral corruption and money laundering.
If found guilty, the man faces imprisonment of 7 to 15 years, a fine of 92,500 to 117,500 lei, and a ban on holding certain positions or carrying out activities for 5 to 10 years.
An audio recording, published by the General Inspectorate of Police on September 18, reveals discussions among members of a criminal group during the execution of 46 searches in northern Moldova. In the recording, they can be heard giving instructions on how to distribute money meant to persuade people to participate in organized protests.
