The Chisinau police this morning received an anonymous email alleging that a bomb had been planted at the Russian Embassy in the Moldovan capital.

A Bombteh squad and other services were promptly deployed and the area was sealed off, Chisinau police spokesperson Natalia Stati told IPN.

UPDATE /11:27/ The conducted search didn't reveal any explosive devices, Stati said subsequently.

The incident echoes three bomb threats received by the Russian Embassy in June, all of which proved to be hoaxes. Stati says the perpetrator or perpetrators remain unknown.

Terrorist hoaxes are punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 lei ($600), community service or up to 2 years in prison.