Moldova exam leaks on TikTok are fake, ministry warns
The Moldovan Ministry of Education and Research declared on June 3 that national exam papers leaked online ahead of lower secondary graduations are completely fraudulent. Authorities launched a prompt investigation after cyber scammers attempted to sell exam subjects on TikTok.
"Investigations indicate that it is not a genuine test and we are talking about scammers who tend to trap students who focus not on learning, but on all sorts of other mechanisms," stated Galina Rusu, Secretary General of the Ministry, during a government briefing. "So, in most cases, we are talking about items that are not part of a real baccalaureate test or national test."
The Ministry identified a fraudulent TikTok account offering single subjects for €15 (approx. 300 MDL) and full structural packages for €28 (approx. 550 MDL). In response, officials engaged cyber-police units to track down the network and ensure full digital and physical exam security.
"We have the necessary experience to ensure the security of the test until its publication," Rusu added. "Every time, we cooperate with the police and, this year, we made an appeal for all checks to be carried out, including in cyberspace and online space, so that those scammers trying to trap young people are identified. We urge all young people and parents not to fall into these traps."
Legal penalties and consequences
Under the Contravention Code of the Republic of Moldova, leaking or publishing graduation exam items before or during the test carries heavy financial penalties. Individual citizens face fines ranging from €77 to €230 (approx. 1,500 to 4,500 MDL), while public officials and entities risk fines from €383 to €612 (approx. 7,500 to 12,000 MDL).
A special ministry commission is currently processing online distribution reports. Any student found guilty of utilizing these materials will face immediate annulment of their entire examination session.
Historical context and exam schedules
This systemic crackdown follows severe institutional breaches recorded during the 2025 exam session. Last year, authorities discovered widespread cheating patterns across 18 schools, resulting in strict sanctions for multiple teachers and school directors.
The compromised school boards, which allowed systemic fraud, were located across various regions. These included Briceni, Criuleni, Edinet, Falesti, Orhei, Rezina, Sangerei, Taraclia, alongside the municipalities of Balti and Chisinau.
The lower secondary graduation session is scheduled to run from June 4 to June 15, 2026, starting with the History exam. Meanwhile, the high school Baccalaureate track commenced on June 2 and will conclude its regular session on June 19.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
