Police and prosecutors conducted a series of raids in a new investigation targeting illegal funding for parties affiliated with the fugitive politician Ilan Shor.

The investigation found in particular that primary organization members of these parties were receiving monthly amounts not reflected in the official books. The General Police Inspectorate says the money was being paid in the context of the upcoming presidential election, for actions that include participation in rallies.

According to the investigation, accounts were created for the Shor-affiliated parties in Russia’s Promsvyazbank, which is under international sanctions related to the Ukraine war. Party members receive amounts ranging from 10,000 to 55,000 rubles (equivalent to 1,975 - 10,870 lei) though the bank’s mobile app. It is believed the money received was intended to be used to buy votes in the upcoming election.  

The Inspectorate added that additional criminal investigation actions will be carried out to establish all the circumstances of the case.