Moldova Expels 3 Russian Diplomats Over Alleged Role in MP's Escape

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry has expelled three employees of the Russian Embassy in Moldova after the Information and Security Service claimed that the diplomatic mission helped pro-Russian MP Alexandru Nesterovschi escape from justice.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau summoned Oleg Ozerov, the Russian ambassador to Moldova, on March 31, shortly after the director of Moldova's Information and Security Service, Alexandru Mustiatea, said that the authorities had confirmed information about the diplomats' role in Nesterovski's escape, Radio Liberty reported.

According to the Moldovan authorities, representatives of the Russian diplomatic mission transported Nesterovsky in a car with diplomatic license plates to the Transnistrian region on March 19. On the same day, the MP was sentenced to 12 years in prison for passive corruption and creating conditions for illegal party financing.

A few hours before the court hearing, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Nesterovschi Russian citizenship on the grounds that he was being persecuted by Moldovan authorities.

The director of the Information and Security Service characterized the embassy's actions as hybrid actions against the Republic of Moldova. The Russian Embassy denied any involvement in Nesterovski's escape, calling the statements of the director of the special service unfounded and unacceptable.

The criminal case against Oleksandr Nesterovskyi was opened in 2023. Prosecutors claim that he received at least $35,000 from fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor to leave the Socialist Party and join the Revival Party. The prosecution claims that he received five thousand dollars a month for seven months.

Кирило Бойко