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Will a fugitive oligarch sway Moldova’s election?

The BBC goes undercover, exposing a disinformation campaign ahead of Moldova’s election. It appears a fugitive oligarch is behind it - but who is backing him, and why?

On 28 September, Moldova’s parliamentary election will be closely watched by leaders in both the EU and Russia.

Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch on the run from Moldovan authorities, and now resident in Russia, is believed to be behind a major disinformation campaign. The apparent aim is to draw the nation of just over two million people under the influence of Moscow.

The BBC has sent a reporter undercover to find out how disinformation is being spread, and where the money funding it is coming from.

We hear from President Maia Sandu, on the danger it poses to the electorate, and the wider geopolitical forces at play.

Presenter: Seamus Mirodan
Producer: Sam Judah
Editors: Flora Carmichael and Michael Simkin
BBC Eye Investigative Team: Rowan Ings, Angela Stanciu, Andreea Jitaru, Oana Marocico, Malvina Cojocari

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18 minutes

Last on

Sun 21 Sep 2025 21:32GMT

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  • Sat 20 Sep 2025 04:32GMT
  • Sun 21 Sep 2025 00:32GMT
  • Sun 21 Sep 2025 08:32GMT
  • Sun 21 Sep 2025 10:32GMT
  • Sun 21 Sep 2025 21:32GMT

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