Moldovan government sanctions individuals, entities involved in destabilizing Moldova in favor of Russia

Individuals and entities undermining the sovereignty of Moldova and participating in actions to destabilize in favor of Russia and criminal groups are targeted by international and national sanctions. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has made statements to this effect in a message on social media.

The PM reminded that, on August 28, Canadian authorities had imposed sanctions against 16 individuals and two organizations, including Irina Vlah and Victoria Furtuna, for supporting Russian interference in Moldova by collaborating with the Shor crime ring.

"Today, at the government, the Interinstitutional Supervisory Council (CIS), in charge of implementing international restrictive measures, ruled to add to the list of sanctioned individuals and entities. Among the new names, there are more foreign citizens, as well as two citizens of Moldova: Dmitri Buimistru – sanctioned for coordinated information manipulation and informational interference through a channel created in Russia by Shor; Veaceslav Valico – sanctioned for involvement in Russian destabilization operations and hybrid activities of the Russian Federation," wrote Dorin Recean.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean emphasized that state institutions would continue to protect the sovereignty and democratic processes of Moldova against those who attempt to serve outside interests and destabilize the country.

Canada has imposed sanctions on 16 Moldovan citizens and two entities allegedly involved in "malicious interference activities" of the Russian Federation. Among the sanctioned persons, there are the head of the Heart of Moldova party, Irina Vlah, as well as the governor of Gagauzia, Evghenia Gutul, the head of the Great Moldova party, Victoria Furtuna, journalist Dmitri Buimistru, activist Veaceslav Valico, the leader of the Chance Party, Alexei Lungu, as well as fugitive deputies Alexandr Nesterovschi and Irina Lozovan. The two sanctioned entities are: the political bloc Victory and the Association of Epaulette People, Shield of the People.

According to the document, the decision was made in the context of "a serious violation of peace and security," at a recommendation by the Canadian foreign affairs minister.