Moldovan authorities have arrested three nationals suspected of attending Russian-led subversion training camps in Bosnia’s Republika Srpska. The arrests are part of a broader effort to counter foreign interference aimed at destabilizing Moldova, particularly ahead of upcoming elections. The training reportedly focused on techniques to incite mass unrest and clashes with law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Three Moldovan citizens arrested for attending Russian-led training camps in Bosnia.
- Training aimed at organizing mass unrest during Moldova’s presidential elections and referendum.
- Suspects learned drone operation, studied government buildings, and practiced crowd control tactics.
- Ilan Shor, a Russia-based oligarch, is suspected of masterminding and funding the operation.
- This follows previous arrests, with seven individuals already indicted.
Russian-Linked Training Camps Uncovered
Moldova’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) announced the arrests of three men, aged 27, 36, and 50, who allegedly participated in training camps in August 2024. These camps, located in the Republika Srpska, a Serb-dominated region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were reportedly organized by Russian entities.
The PCCOCS stated that the purpose of the training was to prepare individuals for organizing mass unrest during Moldova’s presidential elections and a referendum scheduled for autumn 2024. The arrested individuals, who were already known to police and had prior criminal convictions, are accused of learning how to operate drones, studying the layouts of Moldovan government buildings and embassies, and receiving instruction on crowd psychology and engaging in clashes with police.
Allegations of Foreign Interference and Funding
Each participant in the training modules reportedly received between $300 and $400. Moldovan authorities suspect that the operation was masterminded and funded by Ilan Shor, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch currently residing in Russia. Shor, who previously led the now-outlawed pro-Russian Shor party, is wanted in Moldova for embezzlement.
This latest series of arrests follows an earlier crackdown in October 2024, where four individuals were apprehended in connection with the same training camps. To date, seven people have been indicted for their alleged involvement. The authorities in Republika Srpska have denied that such camps ever took place.
Moldova’s Political Climate and European Aspirations
The arrests come at a critical time for Moldova, which recently voted in favor of joining the European Union. President Maia Sandu has warned of significant threats to Moldovan democracy, including illegal foreign financing, disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, and orchestrated protests. European leaders, including the presidents of France and Poland and the chancellor of Germany, recently visited Moldova to express solidarity with President Sandu ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28.
Sources
- Moldova Arrests 3 Over Russian-Run Bosnia Training Camps, Kyiv Post.
- Moldova Arrests Three Over Russian-Led Training Camps in Bosnia, Balkan Insight.
