The European Union has announced the sanctioning of five people who threaten the stability and security of the Republic of Moldova. Four are Moldovan citizens, namely the politicians Ilan Shor, Marina Tauber, Gheorghe Cavcaliuc and Vlad Plahotniuc. The foreign citizen is Igor Chaika, a Russian businessman known for his ties to the former Moldovan president Igor Dodon.

President Maia Sandu declared: “These people in conflict with the law betrayed and continue to betray the national interest, endanger the development of the Republic of Moldova and work for the benefit of the Kremlin”.

“Today’s decision means that these people will not be allowed to move freely in the countries that will align with the sanctions, their money will be blocked and their assets will be seized. The European Union helps us stop those who want to destabilize the country and block our future”, added Sandu.

Another stated purpose of the sanctions is to recover the assets of the persons identified as responsible for serious financial irregularities and unauthorized export of capital.