SIS officers, held captive in Russian Federation, returned to Moldova

The two officers of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS), who had been held captive in the Russian Federation, have safely returned to the Republic of Moldova following an international prisoner exchange operation coordinated by the institution.

According to the SIS, the officers were accompanied on their return by the institution’s director, Alexandru Musteața, as well as by the team involved in planning and carrying out the operation. They are currently undergoing standard evaluation and medical monitoring procedures and are receiving institutional support for recovery and reintegration.

The operation involved an exchange of individuals: the two Moldovan officers were released in return for Russian citizen Nina Popova, accused of acting against the state of the Republic of Moldova, and for Alexandru Bălan, investigated for treason in the interest of the security service of Belarus.

The SIS expressed its gratitude to the national institutions involved in the operation, as well as to partner services from Romania, Poland, and the United States of America for their support “in the spirit of strengthened partnerships and shared commitments.”

In parallel, the institution announced the continuation of internal investigations launched in 2023 regarding the impact of acts of treason on the information system, particularly in the case of Alexandru Bălan. The SIS notes that he has been suspended from his position since 2019 and that his access to classified information was revoked.

Representatives of the Intelligence and Security Service emphasize that the institution constantly carries out operational and analytical measures to identify and counter acts of treason, in cooperation with national authorities and external partners. “Any such manifestation is treated with the utmost firmness,” the institution states.

At the same time, the SIS highlights that over the past four years, it has implemented a broad institutional reform process, which has included revising operational methodologies and strengthening mechanisms for protecting the national information system, with a focus on human resource development and staff protection.

President Maia Sandu announced on Tuesday that two SIS employees were released in a “5-for-5” international exchange carried out at the Belarus–Poland border, after several months of negotiations. In return, the Moldovan authorities handed over two individuals, including a citizen of the Russian Federation and Alexandru Bălan, accused of treason in the interest of the Belarusian services.

The head of state thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as international partners, for the support in carrying out the operation.

The release operation involved cooperation among several states and institutions, including intelligence structures and diplomatic channels. The authorities in Chișinău noted that some details had not been made public earlier so as not to compromise the course of the operation and the safety of the persons involved.