Moldova's Information and Security Service exposed Russian plans to influence the 2026 elections

SIB Director Oleksandr Mustiatse revealed the details of the campaign, which is already underway: from TikTok videos to recruiting politicians and collecting citizens' personal data.

As Moldova prepares for another election cycle, its intelligence services are recording increased external efforts aimed at undermining trust in state institutions. The Director of the Information and Security Service, Oleksandr Mustace, said that Russia has already begun preparations for interference, using new channels for disinformation and methods of collecting data on citizens.

Statement by the Director of the National Security Institute: Methods change, the goal remains

Oleksandr Mustace emphasized that the Moldovan special services are much better prepared to counter it than before. Russian operations, however, are constantly evolving. If earlier the main propaganda channel was Telegram, now TikTok has become the main tool. In parallel, manipulative campaigns on Facebook have intensified, and temporary websites are being created to spread fakes, which quickly disappear after the material is distributed.

The main goal of such operations is to undermine citizens’ trust in the army, security sector, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary. This should affect voter sentiment during the next election cycle, scheduled for 2026. According to Mustace, the Kremlin seeks to strengthen its influence in Moldova’s political environment through the recruitment, promotion, and illegal financing of politicians who act in Moscow’s interests.

Collection of personal data through online and telephone fraud

A separate threat is Russia's use of online and telephone fraud to collect citizens' personal data. The information obtained can be used for recruitment or other influence operations. The NIB records an increase in the number of such incidents in the first months of 2026, when fraudsters masquerade as representatives of banks or government institutions.

This data allows for the creation of personalized pressure campaigns against specific individuals who have access to important decisions or work in government structures. Mustiate noted that the special services have already developed mechanisms for rapid response to such attempts, but the threat remains high due to the speed of the spread of new schemes.

Previous statements and context: €400 million for impact

Mustace's statement was preceded by the words of the Speaker of the Parliament, Igor Grosu, who reported that Russia invested almost 400 million euros in attempts to influence the September 2025 elections through bribery, disinformation and cyberattacks. These funds were used to finance pro-Kremlin forces and create a network of influence agents.

In 2026, the NIB continues to monitor the remnants of these networks. Some of them have moved to new platforms and adapted their tactics to the conditions of the election campaign, which is gaining momentum. Moldova's international partners, including the EU and the US, have provided additional technical assistance to monitor cyber threats.

Changing platforms: TikTok as a primary channel

The transition from Telegram to TikTok became noticeable already in late 2025. Short videos with emotional content quickly gain millions of views and form a distorted picture of reality. The SIB has recorded over 1200 accounts that systematically distribute content directed against Moldovan state institutions.

The platform's algorithms facilitate the viral spread of such material, making it difficult to block it. Moldovan authorities are working with TikTok to remove the most harmful content, but new accounts appear every day. In parallel, campaigns have intensified on Facebook, where closed groups are created to spread fake news among the older generation.

Temporary sites and cyberattacks

Another tool has become temporary websites that publish fake news and disappear within a few days. Such resources are difficult to track, and their content is often duplicated on social networks. In 2026, the NIB recorded an increase in the number of cyberattacks on government websites and media resources, coinciding with the start of the election campaign.

These attacks are accompanied by attempts to steal data and distribute malware. International cybersecurity experts, engaged by Moldova, are helping to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure.

Impact on trust in state institutions

Disinformation campaigns are aimed at undermining citizens’ trust in the military, law enforcement, and courts. Polls conducted in the first half of 2026 show a decline in trust in these institutions by 8–12 percent compared to the previous year. This creates a favorable environment for the promotion of pro-Kremlin narratives.

The NIB emphasizes that such operations are long-term in nature and are designed to form a persistent negative attitude towards Moldova's European course. Countermeasures include both technical measures and educational campaigns among the population.

International support and prospects

Moldova receives significant assistance from EU and NATO partners to counter hybrid threats. In July 2026, a new agreement was signed on intelligence sharing and joint training for NIB officers. This allows for faster detection and neutralization of interference attempts.

Despite all the challenges, Mustace expressed confidence that Moldovan special services are able to effectively resist external pressure. The main thing is to remain vigilant and continue to improve methods of protecting the information space.

Sources

1. Deschide.md, statement by the director of the National Bank of Moldova, Oleksandr Mustace, July 2026.
2. Cenzor.net, material about Russia's preparations to interfere in the Moldovan elections, 2026.
3. Official statement by Parliament Speaker Ihor Gros on impact funding, 2025–2026.