Canada imposes sanctions on 16 Moldovan citizens, two entities affiliated with Ilan Shor for Russia's 'malign interference activities'

Canada has imposed sanctions on 16 Moldovan citizens and two entities allegedly involved in the Russian Federation's 'malign interference activities.' Among the sanctioned individuals, there are Irina Vlah, the head of the Heart of Moldova party, and Evghenia Gutul, the governor (bashkan) of Gagauzia.

The list also includes Victoria Furtuna, the head of the Great Moldova party, journalist Dmitri Buimistru, activist Veaceslav Valico, the leader of the Chance Party, Alexei Lungu, and fugitive deputies Alexandr Nesterovschi and Irina Lozovan. The two sanctioned entities are the Victory political bloc and the Shield of the People Association of People with Epaulettes.

According to the document, the decision was taken in the context of a 'severe breach of peace and security,' upon the recommendation of the Canadian foreign affairs ministry.

‘’The individuals have actively participated in coordinated efforts to destabilize the democratically elected government of Moldova, being associated with politician and businessman Ilan Shor, who fled Moldova in 2019. Among the individuals, there are officials and associates of the political party launched by Ilan Shor, sanctioned by Canada in June 2023, as well as former officials from Moldova and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, a region the current administration of which has strong ties with Russia. The list of sanctioned persons also includes representatives of pro-Russian media involved in disseminating disinformation, as well as other participants in Russia's malign operations abroad,’’ said the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The institution also informed that sanctions are being imposed on the political bloc led by Shor - Victory, ‘’which was launched in Russia as a successor to the Shor Party, as well as against a paramilitary group supported by Ilan Shor and its leader, who are involved in organizing a string of anti-government protests in Moldova in 2023.’’

The sanctioned persons and entities will be prohibited from being subjects of transactions. Thus, they will not be able to conduct financial operations or services, including property, with individuals and citizens from Canada. At the same time, the subjects and entities included on the list are considered inadmissible in Canada.

The individuals on this list were previously targeted by EU sanctions, being accused of involvement in attempts to destabilize Moldova.