INSIDE MOLDOVA EU announces new funding for Moldova | Alleged Russian spy arrested | MoldATSA scandal expands
Moldova strengthened its ties with the European Union this week after receiving new commitments worth hundreds of millions of euros for security, border infrastructure, and reforms during the Moldova–EU Summit in Brussels. European leaders praised the country’s progress on its reform agenda and signaled continued support for its European integration path.
The week was also marked by several developments related to national security, corruption investigations, and public accountability. Moldovan authorities detained an alleged Russian FSB officer accused of gathering sensitive information about the Transnistrian region, while SIS and prosecutors announced the dismantling of a scheme that allegedly exported dual-use equipment to Russian companies linked to the military-industrial sector. Meanwhile, controversy surrounding the state-owned air navigation company MoldATSA intensified.
Moldova advances EU integration and secures new European support
Moldova received strong backing from the European Union during the Moldova–EU Summit in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €120 million package for Moldova’s security sector, €11 million to strengthen Europe’s resilience against hybrid threats, and €17 million for border infrastructure. EU officials also noted that Moldova has already completed 93% of the reforms required under the Growth Plan, with an additional €503 million expected to be released if the remaining reforms are completed by the end of 2026.
Security concerns intensify amid Russian influence and espionage allegations
Moldovan authorities reported several developments related to national security. The Information and Security Service (SIS) announced the detention of a Russian citizen identified as an FSB officer who allegedly entered Moldova under the guise of tourism while seeking to collect information about the Security Zone and the Transnistrian region. Prosecutors obtained a 30-day pre-trial detention order, arguing that the information could have been used against Moldova’s sovereignty and security interests.
In a separate operation, SIS and anti-organized crime prosecutors said they had disrupted an alleged scheme involving the export of dual-use equipment to Russian companies linked to the military-industrial complex and subject to international sanctions. Authorities claim that since 2022, a Moldovan company exported equipment worth approximately 21 million lei while disguising its true nature in customs declarations. Searches were conducted and technical equipment, contracts, and documents were seized as part of the investigation.
Major corruption and financial crime investigations continue
Anti-corruption prosecutors completed court hearings in a long-running case involving former Banca de Economii chairman Grigore Gacikevici and four former members of the bank’s credit committee. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of up to 15 years, alleging that non-performing loans were granted in violation of lending regulations between 2005 and 2012.
Authorities also launched an influence-peddling investigation against a lawyer from Chișinău who allegedly demanded €10,000 from the relatives of a convicted individual, claiming he could influence judicial decisions and secure the person’s release from prison.
MoldATSA scandal expands
The state-owned air navigation company MoldATSA remained at the center of public debate throughout the week. The company rejected allegations that a €3 million Eurocontrol grant received in 2022 had disappeared, citing audit findings and describing the accusations as false. At the same time, the Public Property Agency ordered a detailed review of the company’s salary practices, warning that any unjustified payments could be recovered.
The controversy deepened after Anastasia Taburceanu, President Maia Sandu’s cousin and MoldATSA spokesperson, announced her resignation and pledged to return salary bonuses received during her employment. The resignation followed public scrutiny regarding her recruitment and remuneration package, which reportedly exceeded one million lei in less than a year.
President Maia Sandu publicly distanced herself from the hiring decision, describing the payments received by her cousin as “undeserved” and stating that the money should be returned. Sandu also called the appointment of MoldATSA director Dumitru Vangheli a failure, saying that proper background checks had not been conducted.
Deadly road tragedy shocks Moldova
Two young patrol police officers, aged 25 and 29, died after being struck by a vehicle while carrying out their duties near Sîngerei. According to police, both officers were standing on the roadside next to a properly parked police vehicle with emergency lights activated when they were hit by a Volkswagen. The government later approved financial assistance of one million lei for each of the officers’ families.
Business and strategic investment decisions draw attention
The Competition Council announced that Moldretail Group, which operates several major supermarket chains including Linella and Fidesco, plans to acquire Honest Company, the operator of the Merci retail network. The authority is currently reviewing the proposed transaction.
Meanwhile, the Council for the Examination of Investments of Importance for State Security (CEIISS) refused to approve investments related to airline FlyOne and ordered a change of ownership control within 90 days. Authorities cited concerns regarding the company’s operation in a strategic sector and alleged links between associated individuals and persons subject to international sanctions. FlyOne rejected the accusations and stated that it had fully cooperated with authorities. Officials emphasized that the decision does not affect the airline’s current operations or scheduled flights.
Education records and cultural restrictions
Moldova recorded its best baccalaureate results in recent years, with a record 85 graduates obtaining perfect scores and the pass rate increasing for the third consecutive year to 75.4%. Authorities also noted that, for the first time since surveillance cameras were introduced in examination rooms, no student was expelled for cheating.
The Ministry of Culture also published a list of 26 artists from CIS countries whose concerts and cultural appearances are considered “not recommended.” The list includes several popular Russian-speaking performers and follows increased scrutiny of foreign artists invited to perform in Moldova, particularly those associated with countries involved in armed aggression.
Former SIS deputy director lost his Moldovan citizenship
A suspect was detained in connection with a series of false bomb threats targeting Chișinău International Airport. Authorities allege that the 50-year-old man intentionally reported nonexistent explosive devices and threats that disrupted airport operations and endangered public safety.
Former SIS deputy director Alexandru Balan lost his Moldovan citizenship following a decree signed by President Maia Sandu. Balan had previously been pardoned and extradited to Belarus as part of a prisoner exchange that secured the return of two Moldovan intelligence officers.
The government also clarified controversial provisions in its draft 2027 fiscal policy, stating that the sale of a family’s primary residence will not be subject to taxation despite public concerns raised during consultations.
