Moldovan SIS reports that Russian FSB, via criminal proxy Șor group, collects massive personal data of Moldovans for financial scams causing large losses and societal distrust.

The Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) has warned that the Russian FSB is massively collecting personal data of Moldovan citizens. The data is collected through illegal means including private databases sold on the Dark Web, hacked servers, and a database compiled by the criminal group Șor, affiliated with the FSB. This database contains personal details such as names, emails, phone numbers, home addresses, and copies of identity documents of approximately 145,000 Moldovans. Collected data is used by transnational criminal groups for financial fraud and scams targeting citizens, who have lost over 150 million Moldovan lei in recent months. The criminal group Șor reportedly uses these methods to recover money lost in Moldova through phone and online scams manipulating victims into handing over money or taking loans. The stolen funds are laundered via cryptocurrency or funneled through the separatist-controlled Transnistrian region. Moldovan authorities have established a parliamentary commission to investigate and legislate countermeasures including blocking suspicious calls and requiring SIM card activation by ID to curb scams and false bomb threats.