Meta removes fake accounts in Moldova before the presidential election

Meta Platforms announced on Friday that it had removed a network of accounts targeting Russian speakers in Moldova ahead of the country’s October 20 election, citing violations of its policy on fake accounts.

Moldovan authorities also blocked several Telegram channels and chatbots linked to a scheme to pay voters.

In the upcoming election, pro-European President Maia Sandu, who is seeking a second term, has made Moldova’s EU integration a key policy point. Meta revealed that the fake accounts spread criticism of Sandu, pro-EU politicians, and Moldova’s ties with Romania while promoting pro-Russia parties.

The operation involved fictitious Russian-language news brands posing as independent entities across various platforms, including Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram, as well as Telegram, and TikTok.

Also Read: EU Election: Meta Set Up Team To Combat Disinformation, AI Misuse 

Meta removed seven Facebook accounts, 23 pages, one group, and 20 Instagram accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour.” The affected pages had about 4,200 followers, while the Instagram accounts had around 335,000 followers.

In Chisinau, Moldova’s National Investigation Inspectorate blocked 15 Telegram channels and 95 chatbots offering voters money, stating that they violated local political finance laws. These accounts were traced to supporters of fugitive businessman Ilan Shor, whose party was banned. Shor, currently in exile in Moscow, denies allegations of bribing voters.

Moldovan police have been investigating election interference, including payments allegedly made to tens of thousands of voters via Russian bank accounts. Shor was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a 2014 banking scandal but remains free in Russia. Sandu has accused Moscow of trying to destabilise her government, while Russia accuses her of fostering anti-Russian sentiment.