Russia tests crypto-funded hybrid warfare on Moldova. Latest “experiment” costs it $107 million

Dec 8, 2025 - 19:05

Putin dusts off Ukraine playbook for Moldova

Modern wars are fought in digital space as much as on the battlefield. Recently, investigators have blocked $107 million in cryptocurrency intended to fund pro-Russian political groups in Moldova, says Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, according to TVP.

Russia is willing to commit extraordinary resources to undermining democratic institutions, while Moldova is learning how to disrupt these influence networks. Moscow bypasses traditional financial systems, which could signal a need for stronger international oversight of illegal crypto flows and cyber operations.

Popșoi adds that this investigation is just one episode in a broader campaign of interference linked by Moldovan authorities to Moscow.

The Kremlin is using digital money for its hybrid warfare

According to the foreign minister, the networks behind this operation had access to “millions of dollars” and planned to destabilize the state through financing protests, influencing political groups, and preparing violent actions.

Moldova has recently held a series of elections, which were accompanied by allegations of large-scale Russian interference.

Popșoi says Moldova is now more resilient to such challenges than it was five or six years ago.

“We have seen how vulnerable a small state can be when facing a well-funded machine with enormous resources. But we have learned the lesson,” he states.

Popșoi warns that the large amounts of funds allegedly coming from Russia to support pro-Russian parties could have a significant impact on Moldova.

He notes that the country is being used as a testing ground for hybrid tactics, ranging from disinformation to secret financing schemes that exploit complex financial workarounds, including the use of cryptocurrencies.

Chisinau’s resilience to Russian interference reduces Moscow’s ability to expand its destabilization front westward, lowering risks for Transnistria and Ukraine's Odesa.