A possible representative of the Russian mercenary group “Wagner” was detected at the state border crossing point “Chisinau International Airport”, the Border Police announced on Sunday morning, March 12, noting that “the citizen was not allowed to cross the state border and was returned by air to the state of departure”.

In order to exclude security risks, in the context of the state of emergency in Moldova, but also of the war started by Russia against Ukraine, security protocols are applied at all state border crossing points, which implies additional control of the state border crossing for travellers, especially for foreign citizens, the representatives of the institution note.

In the last seven days, according to the Border Police, 156 events have been notified at the “green” border and at state border crossing points, with 165 people documented as having violated Moldova’s border and migration legislation.

“At the border crossing points, the flow of persons amounted to 229 635 crossings, and the amounts of traffic of means of transport showed a number of 63 332 crossings.

During the period in question, 208 alerts were triggered, of which 11 were Interpol alerts (persons, vehicles, documents) and 197 according to information received from national law enforcement authorities. A total of 182 foreign citizens and 46 means of transport were refused entry into Moldova.

We draw attention to the fact that the measures taken, based on risk analysis and information obtained jointly with the national authorities, including through the exchange of information with international partners, allowed the detection in the flow of passengers, at the state border crossing point at Chisinau International Airport of a citizen who was identified as a possible representative of a private military company from the Russian Federation (Wagner). The citizen in question was not allowed to cross the state border and was returned by air to the state of departure (…).

The Border Police will continue to take the necessary measures in order not to admit cases that threaten the safety and security of the state and the citizens of Moldova,” reads a press release issued by the institution.

On 13 February, Moldovan President Maia Sandu spoke at a briefing about the Russian Federation’s plans to destabilise Moldova. The head of state said that documents have been received from Ukrainian partners, which involve the organization of several subversive activities. President Maia Sandu said that Russia is planning a coup in Moldova.

“Through violent actions, disguised as protests by the so-called opposition, they would force a change of power in Chisinau. The documents received from our Ukrainian partners show a good documentation of the locations and logistical aspects for the organization of these subversive activities. The plan also involves the use of foreigners for violent actions,” the head of state said.

The head of state gave assurances that state institutions are working to prevent such provocations and that the situation is being kept under control. At the same time, she called on all state institutions to show maximum vigilance.

On Friday, 10 March, the US National Security Council’s coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby, told a briefing that the United States does not see any imminent military threat to Moldova at the moment. However, he believes the Russian Federation is trying to undermine the government in Chisinau.

The US official said that the protests being organised in Chisinau would be supported by the Russian Federation to bring a “more pro-Russian government to the capital”.