Meta has announced that it removed a network of fake accounts targeting Russian-speaking Moldovans in the lead-up to the country’s October 20 presidential election, citing violations of its policy on inauthentic behavior.
Moldovan authorities, in parallel, blocked multiple Telegram channels and bots allegedly used to bribe voters to cast “no” votes in a referendum on European Union membership, which is being held alongside the presidential race.
President Maia Sandu, who supports stronger ties with the European Union, is seeking re-election. The referendum on EU membership is a key part of her campaign platform.
According to Meta, the fake accounts were used to spread criticism of Sandu, pro-EU politicians, and Moldova’s close ties with Romania, while promoting pro-Russia political factions. The operation was sophisticated, involving around a dozen fake Russian-language news outlets that appeared to be independent but were active across various platforms, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as Telegram, OK.ru, and TikTok.
Meta’s action involved removing seven Facebook accounts, 23 pages, one group, and 20 Instagram accounts, all of which were part of a coordinated effort to mislead users. These accounts had garnered a following of over 4,200 people on Facebook and 335,000 on Instagram.
In the Moldovan capital, Chișinău, the National Investigation Inspectorate blocked 15 Telegram channels and 95 chat bots that were offering financial incentives to voters. These channels were found to be linked to supporters of Ilan Shor, a fugitive businessman connected to election-meddling efforts. Shor’s political party was banned, but he had organized the “Victory” electoral bloc from exile in Moscow.
Moldovan police conducted raids on the homes of leaders connected to Shor as part of a broader investigation into electoral interference. Authorities have alleged that tens of thousands of voters were bribed through Russian bank accounts to undermine the election process.
Shor, who was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison last year over his involvement in the 2014 theft of $1 billion from Moldovan banks, has denied the voter bribery allegations. Meanwhile, President Sandu has accused Moscow of attempting to destabilize her government, while Russia has accused her administration of stirring anti-Russian sentiment.
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