Moldovan Elections Targeted by Secret Russian-Funded Disinformation Network
A BBC investigation has uncovered a clandestine Russian-funded network actively working to disrupt the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova, scheduled for September 28th. This network utilizes online platforms, particularly TikTok and Facebook, to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda and fabricated news stories aimed at undermining the pro-EU ruling party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). The operation involves paying participants to create and share disinformation and conduct skewed polls designed to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election results.
The network operates through a series of secret online seminars and Telegram groups, where recruits are trained in disinformation tactics, including the use of ChatGPT to generate content. These individuals are instructed to subtly manipulate public opinion by posting unsubstantiated claims, such as allegations of election fraud, links between EU membership and LGBTQ+ rights, and accusations of child trafficking against President Maia Sandu. Financial incentives are offered for these activities, with payments routed through Promsvyazbank (PSB), a sanctioned Russian state-owned bank with links to the defense ministry.
Evidence gathered by the BBC suggests a connection between the network and Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, currently a fugitive in Moscow and sanctioned by both the US and the UK for his role in Kremlin-backed influence operations and corruption. The network also exhibits ties to Evrazia, an NGO linked to Shor that has been sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU for alleged voter bribery during a previous referendum on EU membership. The BBC’s undercover reporter captured audio of a network coordinator, Alina Juc, requesting funds from Moscow, further solidifying the link to Russian financing.
The scope of the network’s disinformation campaign is substantial, with a network of at least 90 TikTok accounts identified by the BBC and potentially even more identified by the US-based Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab). These accounts have amassed millions of views and likes since January, significantly impacting the information landscape in Moldova, a country with a population of just 2.4 million. The network’s activities extend beyond online disinformation, incorporating manipulated polls designed to create the impression of pro-Russian opposition support. Participants were instructed to secretly record interviewees who expressed support for the opposition, intending to use these recordings as evidence of electoral fraud in the event of a PAS victory.
This investigation exposes the sophisticated tactics employed by Russia to interfere in democratic processes within Eastern Europe. Moldova, situated strategically between Ukraine and Romania, holds significant geopolitical importance, making it a prime target for such interference. The network’s methods highlight the growing threat disinformation poses to free and fair elections, exploiting social media platforms to manipulate public opinion and sow distrust in democratic institutions. The BBC’s findings were presented to TikTok, which stated it had implemented additional security measures ahead of the elections. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, did not respond to the BBC’s findings. The Russian embassy in the UK denied any involvement, accusing the EU of interference.
Moldovan authorities are aware of the ongoing disinformation campaign. Viorel Cernauteanu, Moldova’s chief of police, told the BBC that while Ilan Shor’s campaign focused on financial incentives in 2024, the current focus has shifted to disinformation. This revelation underscores the evolving nature of foreign interference, adapting to new technologies and strategies to achieve its objectives. The findings of this investigation raise serious concerns about the integrity of the Moldovan elections and highlight the urgent need for robust measures to counter disinformation and protect democratic processes.
The BBC’s investigation demonstrates the intricate web of actors and tactics employed in this disinformation campaign, exposing the financial mechanisms, training methods, and dissemination strategies utilized. The use of manipulated polling data to preemptively challenge election outcomes adds a new layer of complexity to these operations, highlighting the evolving sophistication of disinformation tactics. This underscores the vulnerability of democratic processes to covert manipulation and emphasizes the importance of increased vigilance and international cooperation in safeguarding electoral integrity.
The investigation not only reveals the mechanics of this particular disinformation campaign but also serves as a cautionary tale about the broader threat of foreign interference in democratic elections. The use of social media, sophisticated AI tools, and covert networks demonstrates the escalating challenge of combating disinformation. The findings underscore the urgent need for increased transparency, media literacy, and international collaboration to protect the integrity of democratic processes worldwide. The fact that Neither Ilan Shor, Evrazia, nor Alina Juc responded to the BBC’s findings further highlights the challenge of holding those responsible for such operations accountable.