A secret Russian-funded network is attempting to disrupt upcoming democratic elections in an eastern European state, Moldova, as reported by an undercover investigation.
The network reportedly promised payments to participants for posting pro-Russian propaganda, aimed at undermining Moldova's pro-EU ruling party ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28.
This network's operatives were compensated to secretly record interviews with supporters of Moldova's pro-Russian opposition and conduct polling in the guise of a non-existent organization, which is deemed illegal.
Interestingly, the results from a phony poll suggesting the ruling party would lose the election have already been disseminated online, contradicting official polls that show the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), founded by President Maia Sandu, leading against the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP).
The investigation links the network to Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for orchestrating disinformation campaigns and is currently a fugitive in Moscow. Additionally, connections to the NGO Evrazia have been established, which has faced sanctions for allegedly bribing citizens to vote against EU membership.
The undercover operation involved infiltrating the network coordinated via Telegram, providing insight into its anti-democratic efforts.
Recruits underwent rigorous training sessions wherein they were instructed on how to produce deceptive content using AI technology like ChatGPT to maximize its reach on digital platforms.
Throughout this exercise, it became evident that the network consists of hundreds of TikTok accounts, which have collectively amassed millions of views, strategically influencing public opinion in Moldova.
As social media increasingly shapes electoral outcomes, the findings of this investigation forecast significant threats to Moldova's democratic integrity.
