The EU extends the sanctions against those involved in the destabilization of Chisinau. Among them, the pro-Russian Ilan Şor
Brussels extended the sanctions against 23 people and five entities involved in activities that destabilize, undermine or threaten Chisinau. Among those targeted are the fugitive oligarch Şor, several people from his entourage, as well as the oligarch Plahotniuc.
23 persons and 5 entities are sanctioned by the Union. PHOTO: Facebook.com
The decision was taken by the Council of the European Union and provides for the extension of restrictive measures, which were imposed for the first time in 2023, until April 29, 2027.
“Individuals and entities listed under this sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. This framework also prohibits making funds or economic resources available to those listed, either directly or indirectly. In addition, listed individuals are subject to a travel ban, preventing them from entering or transiting the territory of any EU member state.”it is stated in the press release of the Council of the European Union.
Therefore, the European Union remains “unwavering in the support given to the Republic of Moldova in terms of the resilience, security, stability, economy and energy supply of this country, in the context of the destabilizing activities carried out by Russia”.
The 23 people
The first on the list is the fugitive oligarch Ilan Şor, involved in the illegal financing of some parties, as well as in the remuneration of the participants in the protests against the government in the neighboring country.
“By coordinating and planning violent demonstrations, by his serious financial misconduct regarding public funds and unauthorized export of capital, as well as by attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, Ilan Şor is responsible for actions that undermine and threaten the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, as well as democracy, the rule of law, stability and security in the Republic of Moldova. In addition, he is associated with Eurasia”the employees of the European institution mentioned.
Next is Gheorghe Cavcaliuc, former deputy head of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP) of the Republic of Moldova.
“He is known for the fact that, together with Ilan Șor, he organized the violent protests of October 2022 and participated in them. He used his connections within the General Police Inspectorate to recruit former police officers and to create a paramilitary group to “protect” the violent demonstrators demonstrating against the government of the Republic of Moldova”. according to those responsible within the European structure.
There are also several people close to the fugitive oligarch Ilan Şor, including Marina Tauber, who is hiding from Moldovan justice in Russia, Arina Corșicova, the leader of several media trusts that promote false statements aimed at destabilizing the constitutional order in the neighboring country, as well as Dumitru Chitoroagă, the administrator of a media trust that owns several communication channels in the Republic of Moldova, and Maria Albot, a trusted associate of Ilan Shor. At the same time, Nelli Parutenco, former treasurer of the Șor party, led by the fugitive, but outlawed in the meantime.
The fugitive oligarch Ilan Şor, investigated in several cases, including for illegal financing of parties
“Currently, Nelli Parutenco is the founder and director of the non-governmental association Evrazia, based in Russia, whose objective is to promote Russian interests in the former Soviet republics, including the Republic of Moldova. Evrazia promotes Russian propaganda speeches, including among young children in the youth camps it organizes.” the representatives of the Council added.
Also, Alexandru Beșchieru, the leader of the Alternative and Salvation Force of Moldova (FASM), Vadim Grozavu, the leader of the Victory party, Alexei Lungu, the president of the Chance party, Natalia Parasca, the leader of the Renaissance party, all four formations being members of the Victory Bloc led by the pro-Russian Ilan Șor, as well as the fugitives Irina Lozovan and Alexandru Nesterovschi and Victoria Furtună, the leader of the Moldova Mare party.
At the same time, Igor Chaika, a Russian businessman responsible for directing funds to FSB projects aimed at destabilizing the Republic of Moldova, as well as Dmitry Milyutin, deputy head of the Operational Intelligence Department of Russia's Federal Security Service, are sanctioned.
The same list includes the oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, who appears in several criminal files, including for crimes related to the embezzlement of funds of the Republic of Moldova and their illegal transfer outside the country.
“Through the serious financial violations committed, involving public funds, through the unauthorized export of capital and through the undermining of the democratic political process in the Republic of Moldova, Vladimir Plahotniuc is responsible for actions that undermine and threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability and security in the Republic of Moldova”, reported the European officials.
Also sanctioned is Chiril Guzun, the founder and current leader of the “People's Shield”, a paramilitary organization from the Republic of Moldova that includes former soldiers, former policemen and former law enforcement personnel, who resort to violence when participating in protests aimed at destabilizing Chisinau.
Also, there are several people from Gagauzia, including Basque woman Evghenia Guțul, Iurii Cuznețov, deputy head of the General Department for External Relations within the Executive Committee, Ilia Uzun, member of the People's Assembly and vice-president of the Executive Committee, Mihail Vlah, deputy governor of Gagauzia.
The five entities
And the five entities targeted by the restrictive measures are the “People's Shield” organization, the non-governmental association Evrazia based in Russia, but founded by Nelli Parutenco.
“Evrazia directed funds from Ilan Şor to influence the 2024 presidential election and the 2024 constitutional referendum on joining the Union. Evrazia worked closely with Şor's political bloc 'Victorie', providing financial support and logistical support to strengthen Russia's influence in the region. Evrazia is therefore trying to overthrow the constitutional order, thus threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, as well as democracy, stability and security in the Republic of Moldova”it is stated in the press release of the European institution.
At the same time, Blocul Victorie, the Cultural-Educational Center of Moldova in Russia and the company A7, which was founded by Ilan Shor, together with several financial companies in Moscow, in partnership with Russian state entities.
