Individuals arrested in Moldova over “Russian unrest plot” allegedly trained in Serbia

Police said that the raids targeted more than 100 people and took place in multiple localities across Moldova, adding that the unrest plot was “coordinated from the Russian Federation, through criminal elements.”

According to Moldova’s chief prosecutor for organized crime, Victor Furtuna, 74 people between the ages of 19 and 45 were detained for up to 72 hours.

Furtuna said most of the suspects “systematically traveled” to Serbia where they were trained.

Viorel Cernauteanu, the head of Moldova’s police, said that some of the suspects did not know the real purpose of their trips, which were presented as pilgrimages, and only later became involved in “training for disorder and destabilization.”

He said that the investigation was “not aimed at political entities, despite interpretations.”

“Rather, it was aimed at documenting the criminal intent and organization of these individuals who traveled to Serbia for training,” he added.

On Sunday, Moldovans will vote to choose a new 101-seat parliament.

Many view this election as a choice between Moldova’s continued path toward the European Union or closer ties with Russia.