Moldova Charges Gagauzia Governor with Financing Pro-Russian Shor Party

Moldova's Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office (APO) has brought charges against Yevgenia Guțul, the governor of the autonomous region of Gagauzia, for allegedly channeling funds from Russia to finance the pro-Russian Shor Party between 2019 and 2022. Guțul, who is also a former secretary of the Central Office of the now-banned Shor Party, has been accused of being "actively involved in the systematic introduction of unaccounted financial means into the Republic of Moldova" from an organized criminal group, mainly from Russia.

According to prosecutors, the illegal funds were introduced through flights and land routes and used to support the Shor Party's political activities in Moldova. Guțul is also accused of coordinating the activity of local offices of the former Shor Party in districts of Moldova, including checking, confirming lists, and remunerating participants in protests organized by the outlawed party.

The criminal investigation was initiated in January 2022 based on notifications from the National Investigation Inspectorate and the Central Election Commission. The evidence covers the period between 2019 and 2022, when Guțul was the secretary of the Monitoring, Planning and Control Department of the party that was later declared unconstitutional.

Why this matters: This case highlights the ongoing tensions between Moldova's pro-European government and pro-Russian forces in the country, as Moldova seeks to distance itself from Moscow's influence and move closer to the European Union. The charges against a high-profile regional leader underscore the government's efforts to combat foreign interference and illegal financing of political activities.

Guțul, known for her pro-Russian views, has denied the accusations, calling the case "fabricated." If found guilty, she could face 2-7 years in prison and a ban from holding government positions. The criminal case has been sent to the Buiucani Court of Chisinau City for substantive examination. Moldovan authorities have also seized over 20 million lei (approximately $1 million) from Moldovans returning from Moscow, where they had participated in the launch of the new "Victory" political bloc led by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, as the money was allegedly intended to be used in the illegal financing of political formations controlled by Shor.

Key Takeaways

• Moldova's Anticorruption Prosecutor charges Gagauzia governor for channeling Russian funds
• Funds used to finance pro-Russian Shor Party's political activities in Moldova
• Governor accused of coordinating Shor Party's local offices and protests
• Case highlights tensions between Moldova's pro-EU govt and pro-Russian forces
• Authorities seized $1M from Moldovans returning from Moscow for illegal financing