On the morning of 16 October 2024, special forces in Moldova conducted a raid on the offices of the pro-Russian political bloc “Victory” in the city of Bălți.
The bloc, closely tied to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, has been under scrutiny for alleged involvement in election fraud and illegal party financing ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and referendum on 20 October. The raid involved five buses of special forces, and police have confirmed the operation as part of ongoing investigations.
The raid was reportedly initiated by Moldova’s National Investigation Inspectorate and the Prosecutor’s Office. These authorities are investigating possible attempts to rig the election and referendum scheduled for later this month. The police spokesperson, Diana Fetco, confirmed that searches were being conducted in Bălți but noted that more detailed information would be provided once the operation concluded.
The “Victory” bloc was established in Moscow in April 2024 and is comprised of five political parties, all of which are connected to Ilan Shor. Shor’s own party, also named after him, was declared illegal in Moldova, yet a duplicate party, “Chance,” along with “Renaissance,” “Alternative Force for the Salvation of Moldova,” and “Victorie” (“Victory”), continue to operate under his influence. The central role Shor’s party plays in this alliance has drawn significant attention from both Moldovan authorities and international observers.
Electoral Controversies
In August 2024, Moldova’s Central Election Commission (CEC) denied the Victory bloc registration for the upcoming elections. The CEC cited two main reasons: the bloc’s name was similar to that of one of its constituent parties, and the inclusion of the banned “Shor” party within the bloc was illegal under Moldovan law.
The scrutiny of the Victory bloc has intensified in the lead-up to the elections. Earlier this year, law enforcement agencies conducted raids on the homes and offices of individuals associated with another of the bloc’s constituent parties, “Renaissance.” These investigations were focused on allegations of voter bribery and illegal financing of political activities.
Growing Allegations of Voter Manipulation
The latest raid follows growing concerns over voter manipulation. Last week, a journalistic investigation aired on several major Moldovan television channels, alleging that Ilan Shor’s political apparatus has been bribing voters. According to the investigation, participants in the bloc’s campaign events were offered cash incentives, reportedly paid in Russian rubles, to engage in electoral activities and public demonstrations.
Authorities have been tightening their scrutiny of Shor’s network. Just last week, three individuals were detained following over 100 searches related to suspected illegal party financing and voter bribery. The arrests are part of a wider investigation into the activities of the oligarch’s political machine, which is accused of using illicit financial means to influence the outcome of the election.
Broader Political Context
The October 2024 presidential election in Moldova is taking place amid heightened political tensions. The pro-Russian Victory bloc represents a direct challenge to the government of President Maia Sandu, who has pursued a pro-European Union agenda since taking office. Moldova’s political landscape has been sharply divided between pro-European and pro-Russian factions, with the Victory bloc positioned as a key player for the latter.
The involvement of Ilan Shor, a fugitive convicted of fraud in connection with the infamous “theft of the century”—the embezzlement of $1 billion from Moldovan banks in 2014—has cast a long shadow over the bloc. Shor fled Moldova in 2019 and has since been residing in Israel, continuing to exert influence over Moldovan politics through his party and associated groups.
The Victory bloc’s formation in Moscow and its ties to Russian political and financial interests have only intensified concerns that foreign interference could influence Moldova’s electoral process. The bloc’s pro-Russian stance aligns with Moscow’s strategic interests in the region, particularly as Moldova’s leadership continues to forge closer ties with the European Union and NATO.
Image source: newsmaker.me
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