Serbian authorities have arrested two men suspected of organizing and financing paramilitary training camps for Moldovan nationals ahead of Moldova’s tense parliamentary elections. The camps, reportedly tied to pro-Russian interests, raised concerns about election interference and regional stability ahead of Moldova’s crucial vote.
Key Takeaways
- Serbian police arrested two citizens suspected of aiding the training of Moldovans for potential unrest during elections.
- The camps, located in western Serbia, trained over 150 foreign nationals between July and September 2025.
- European authorities are investigating the extent of the operation, citing it as an attempt to destabilize Moldova.
Details of the Arrests and Paramilitary Training
Serbia’s Ministry of Interior announced the detention of two individuals in Šabac on suspicion of financing and organizing illegal paramilitary training. Raids on their residences yielded laptops, mobile devices, a radio frequency detection device, and a handgun. One suspect faces additional firearms-related charges.
The camps, situated between Loznica and Banja Koviljača in the Sunčana Reka complex, reportedly hosted groups of up to 50 participants on multiple occasions. The Moldovan trainees, guided by Russian and Belarusian instructors, underwent exercises in target recognition, shooting, and handling riot scenarios.
Moldovan Connection and Election Risks
Investigators disclosed that many of the trainees entered Serbia under the pretense of religious pilgrimages and were compensated for their participation. Training aimed to prepare them for confrontations with law enforcement and to potentially spark unrest should pro-Russian forces fare poorly in Moldova’s elections.
Authorities in Moldova, meanwhile, acted against the threat by detaining 74 individuals suspected of planning election-related disturbances. The Moldovan government, supported by the European Commission, has stepped up its vigilance amid fears of foreign interference in the September 28 parliamentary polls, a vote seen as pivotal for the country’s European aspirations.
Political and International Repercussions
The incident has prompted debate within Serbia about potential complicity or negligence by state officials. A notable development involves one suspect’s previous advisory role to a high-ranking Serbian minister, intensifying scrutiny over possible state involvement.
On the international stage, the European Commission commended Moldovan resilience against destabilization efforts and announced plans to bolster the country’s defenses against disinformation and hybrid threats. The EU has already dispatched a rapid-response team to assist Moldova ahead of the elections.
A Tight Race Ahead
Set for September 28, Moldova’s elections have become a battleground between pro-European and pro-Russian factions. With polls forecasting a close contest, the stakes are high for both the nation’s future orientation and the broader stability of the region.
Summary Table: Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June–September | Moldovans travel to Serbia for paramilitary camps |
| 22 September | Moldovan authorities detain 74 suspects |
| 26 September | Serbian police arrest 2 suspects in Šabac |
| 28 September | Moldova to hold parliamentary elections |
Sources
- Two persons arrested in Serbia over training Moldovans for election unrest, European Western Balkans.
