Moldovan Law Enforcement Thwarts Paramilitary Training and Destabilization Plot Linked to Russian-Aligned Balkan Camps

Before Moldova's October 2024 presidential elections and referendum on EU accession, Moldovan law enforcement thwarted a significant destabilization attempt involving paramilitary training camps in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Over 90 raids led to confiscation of 1.6 million lei and identification of 100+ individuals trained in sabotage, protest incitement, and drone-based attacks by instructors linked to Russia-backed Wagner and Farm PMC structures. The training included tactics to deepen national schisms, provoke law enforcement clashes, and use drones equipped with explosives and incendiaries. Serbian special services shut down a camp near Radenka village, seizing drones, StarLink communications, timing devices, incendiary liquids, and virtual reality goggles used for drone operation. Moldovan prosecutors charged three individuals who had undergone training and were coordinating via Telegram with operatives in Russia and Transnistria. Investigation also revealed that Russian and Bulgarian nationals served as instructors. Bosnian authorities detained an instructor and deported him to Poland over suspected involvement in broader European sabotage activities. A cooperating prosecution witness detailed recruitment tactics and camp conditions, including payment in cryptocurrency. Moldovan and regional agencies continue active investigations aiming to dismantle this extensive network of destabilization operatives linked to Kremlin proxies aiming to undermine Moldova’s pro-European trajectory.