Moldova’s security services foiled a violent plan to trigger mass riots

The Information and Security Service of Moldova (SIS), together with officers from the national police and the PCCOCS prosecutor’s office, dismantled a criminal network that was preparing large-scale acts of violence and street riots. Source:  NewsMaker

With support from the Fulger special forces unit, law enforcement officers carried out a series of simultaneous searches in Chișinău and in the central and northern regions of the country. According to the preliminary investigation, the perpetrators planned to destabilize the country’s social and political situation, expecting to receive a substantial financial reward from external sources for organizing mass riots.

To recruit participants, the organizers created an extensive network of fake accounts on popular social media platforms, using them to draw minors and young people into protest movements. Using sophisticated psychological pressure tactics, the suspects posted calls for radical action and the destruction of public property, deliberately failing to tell young people that taking part would inevitably have criminal consequences. During the searches, investigators seized electronic devices, communication equipment, and other material evidence that fully confirmed plans to organize a violent confrontation with law enforcement officers.

The key suspects in the criminal case have now been detained and are giving statements to investigators, who are continuing operational measures to identify all accomplices and possible masterminds behind the coordination network.

The heads of Moldova’s law enforcement agencies issued an official appeal urging citizens to remain vigilant, avoid falling for online provocations, and ignore any calls for violence. The authorities stressed that any attempt to involve people in illegal street actions or incite riots would be stopped to the fullest extent of the law, with those responsible facing criminal charges.

It was previously reported that the FSB and SVR had stepped up subversive activities in Moldova.