Moldova reports arrest of suspect accused of spying for Russia

A person suspected of gathering information about the activities of Moldova's security agencies, allegedly acting on instructions from Russian secret services, has been arrested and remanded in custody in Moldova.

As reported by Moldovan media outlet Newsmaker, Moldova's Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) said the person may have cooperated with representatives of Russian secret services, including through intermediaries in unconstitutional security structures in the unrecognised region of Transnistria.

The detainee is suspected of having been recruited to obtain information about the activities of state institutions, primarily those responsible for national security.

The SIS said: "This person allegedly acted on the basis of specific instructions and in coordination with representatives of foreign intelligence, seeking to obtain information held by state institutions about activities carried out on the territory of the Republic of Moldova by representatives of foreign intelligence services, the authorities' level of awareness of their operations, as well as any measures taken by national institutions in this regard."

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the detainee for the unauthorised collection of information. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation to establish all the circumstances of the case and identify other people involved.

It was previously reported that the SIS has detected Russia's preparations to intensify its influence ahead of the country's upcoming elections.