A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered a Russian-backed network aiming to influence upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova. Undercover reporting revealed that this network is offering financial incentives for participants to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda and misinformation targeting Moldova’s pro-European ruling party ahead of the 28 September vote.
The investigation detailed how participants were tasked with covertly recording supporters of the pro-Russian opposition and conducting unofficial polling under the guise of a fictitious organization, potentially violating Moldovan laws. Results from one of these polls, suggesting the ruling party’s loss, have already appeared online despite official polls indicating that the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) has a lead over the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc.
Connections have been found between the network and Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who is currently a fugitive in Russia and has been sanctioned by both the U.S. and the U.K. for corruption. The network also appears linked to the NGO Evrazia, which has faced sanctions for allegedly bribing citizens to vote against EU membership in a recent referendum.
The investigation highlights the role of social media in election campaigns, with over 90 TikTok accounts associated with the network generating millions of views and likes. Participants in the network were trained to create engaging posts, often using disinformation strategies.
Moldovan police have indicated that the focus of the campaign has shifted from financial incentives to misinformation tactics. The investigation also noted attempts to recruit individuals for polling activities, providing training on how to influence respondents’ answers.
Responses from both Evrazia and Shor regarding these findings were not received. TikTok and Facebook’s parent company, Meta, have stated that they are taking measures to counteract deceptive practices surrounding the elections. The Russian embassy in the U.K. has denied any involvement in the reported electoral interference.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g5kl0n5d2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss