UK Imposes Sanctions on Pro-Kremlin Network Linked to Moldova's EU Referendum Manipulation
The sanctions are aimed at undermining Russian influence and promoting democratic integrity in Moldova and beyond.
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on a network of pro-Russian actors known as Evrazia, which is accused of attempting to manipulate Moldova’s recent EU referendum.
The sanctions were officially announced on Wednesday by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), highlighting Evrazia's operation on behalf of fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, aimed at destabilising Moldovan democracy and extending Russia’s influence in the region.
These sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans targeted at corrupt officials and prosecutors in various countries, including Georgia and Guatemala, where these individuals are alleged to have sabotaged democratic governance and judicial impartiality.
Evrazia, a Russian non-profit organization, reportedly facilitated bribery to influence the outcomes of the referendum held last year concerning amendments to Moldova’s constitution that would support EU membership.
Approximately 130,000 Moldovan citizens received a cumulative total of around 15 million US dollars (£11.5 million) from Evrazia, with payments varying significantly based on individuals' involvement, from 50 dollars (£39) monthly for general supporters to over 2,500 dollars (£1,932) for key leaders in the operation.
Despite these manipulative efforts, a narrow majority of voters—approximately 10,000 more—supported the “Yes” campaign for EU aspirations, which created a closer outcome than initially anticipated.
The sanctions specifically target individuals including Nelli Alekseyevna Parutenko, the founder and director of Evrazia; Natalia Parasca, a member of its management board; and Marina Tauber, another key political operative associated with Shor.
Ilan Shor himself had previously been sanctioned by the UK in 2022 and is serving a sentence of more than seven years for his involvement in the 2014 theft of over 1 billion dollars from Moldova’s banking system, after which he fled the country.
The FCDO has emphasized that these sanctions expose the Kremlin's longstanding efforts to undermine democracies in Eastern Europe, thereby creating a more hostile environment for corruption and illicit activities.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that these measures convey a strong message regarding the UK’s commitment to combating Russian efforts that threaten the integrity and security of allied nations.
In addition to actions concerning Moldova, the FCDO has also targeted members of the so-called “Judicial Clan” in Georgia, accused of exerting political influence over judicial processes to benefit the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Furthermore, sanctions have been implemented against former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei and his alleged cohort, described as the “Pacto De Corruptos” or “Pact of the Corrupt,” which has been linked to efforts undermining anti-corruption reforms of the current President Bernardo Arevalo.
The FCDO notes the significance of independent investigative reporting and civil society initiatives in informing sanctions, recognizing contributions from organizations such as Transparency International and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in exposing corruption and promoting justice.
The sanctions were officially announced on Wednesday by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), highlighting Evrazia's operation on behalf of fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, aimed at destabilising Moldovan democracy and extending Russia’s influence in the region.
These sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans targeted at corrupt officials and prosecutors in various countries, including Georgia and Guatemala, where these individuals are alleged to have sabotaged democratic governance and judicial impartiality.
Evrazia, a Russian non-profit organization, reportedly facilitated bribery to influence the outcomes of the referendum held last year concerning amendments to Moldova’s constitution that would support EU membership.
Approximately 130,000 Moldovan citizens received a cumulative total of around 15 million US dollars (£11.5 million) from Evrazia, with payments varying significantly based on individuals' involvement, from 50 dollars (£39) monthly for general supporters to over 2,500 dollars (£1,932) for key leaders in the operation.
Despite these manipulative efforts, a narrow majority of voters—approximately 10,000 more—supported the “Yes” campaign for EU aspirations, which created a closer outcome than initially anticipated.
The sanctions specifically target individuals including Nelli Alekseyevna Parutenko, the founder and director of Evrazia; Natalia Parasca, a member of its management board; and Marina Tauber, another key political operative associated with Shor.
Ilan Shor himself had previously been sanctioned by the UK in 2022 and is serving a sentence of more than seven years for his involvement in the 2014 theft of over 1 billion dollars from Moldova’s banking system, after which he fled the country.
The FCDO has emphasized that these sanctions expose the Kremlin's longstanding efforts to undermine democracies in Eastern Europe, thereby creating a more hostile environment for corruption and illicit activities.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that these measures convey a strong message regarding the UK’s commitment to combating Russian efforts that threaten the integrity and security of allied nations.
In addition to actions concerning Moldova, the FCDO has also targeted members of the so-called “Judicial Clan” in Georgia, accused of exerting political influence over judicial processes to benefit the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Furthermore, sanctions have been implemented against former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei and his alleged cohort, described as the “Pacto De Corruptos” or “Pact of the Corrupt,” which has been linked to efforts undermining anti-corruption reforms of the current President Bernardo Arevalo.
The FCDO notes the significance of independent investigative reporting and civil society initiatives in informing sanctions, recognizing contributions from organizations such as Transparency International and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in exposing corruption and promoting justice.
