Man detained in Moldova for gathering data for Russian intelligence services

Detention and grounds for custody

In the Republic of Moldova, law enforcement agencies have detained and placed in custody a man suspected of collecting confidential information for the benefit of the intelligence services of the Russian Federation. This was reported by the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organised Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) on its official website.

The investigation of this criminal case is being conducted jointly with representatives of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) of Moldova. As of 12 November, the suspect is in custody.

Nature of the suspect's activities

According to the investigation, the man established and maintained contacts with representatives of Russian intelligence services. Law enforcement officials believe that these contacts were made, in particular, through intermediaries belonging to unconstitutional security structures in the Transnistrian region (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic).

It has been preliminarily established that the suspect was recruited to collect data on the functioning of the country's constitutional authorities. He paid particular attention to institutions responsible for ensuring national security.

Among the key areas of his interest were details on what information state bodies possess regarding the activities of foreign intelligence services on Moldovan territory, how well the authorities are informed about their operations, and what measures have been organised to counter them.

Legal consequences and classification

The suspect has been charged under Part 1 of Article 338³ of the Criminal Code of Moldova. This article provides for liability for unauthorised collection of information.

Under current legislation, such a crime is defined as "the collection or appropriation of information with the aim of storing or using it to the detriment of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, state security or defence capability of the Republic of Moldova – if these actions do not contain the signs of high treason or espionage".

The offence is punishable by a fine of between 850 and 1,350 conditional units (one conditional unit is equivalent to 50 Moldovan lei) or imprisonment for a term of two to five years.

The PCCOCS emphasised that the criminal investigation is ongoing. Its aim is to establish all the circumstances of the case and identify other individuals who may be involved in such activities.