Russian services collecting Moldovans’ data for fraud operations, security agency warns

Moldova’s Information and Security Service (SIS) says Russian special services are mass-collecting personal data of Moldovan citizens for use in cross-border fraud operations, according to a statement cited by Noi.md.

The agency warned the activity is coordinated and part of broader hybrid pressure tactics that Moldova has repeatedly linked to Russian influence operations in recent years, particularly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Moldova has regularly reported exposure to hybrid threats including disinformation campaigns, cyber activity, and attempts to destabilise domestic politics. Authorities have previously accused Moscow-linked networks of exploiting political divisions and using criminal channels to exert influence inside the country.

Large-scale personal data pools used in fraud networks

SIS said the data collection involves multiple sources, including illegally traded databases on the dark web and unauthorized access to private servers. It also referenced data linked to the “Șor” criminal network, which allegedly contains information on around 145,000 citizens.

According to the agency, the datasets include names, phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, and copies of identity documents.

SIS said this information is later passed to transnational organized crime groups, which use it in financial fraud schemes, including bank card theft and other online scams.

Officials described the system as a structured pipeline from data collection to exploitation rather than isolated incidents.

Hybrid pressure and long-running fraud risks

The agency said the activity should be viewed in the context of sustained hybrid pressure on Moldova, where cybersecurity incidents, political influence operations, and financial scams often overlap.

Moldova’s security institutions have previously warned that criminal fraud networks and influence operations can intersect, using the same datasets, communication channels, and recruitment pools.

SIS said the goal of these coordinated actions is to undermine public trust and create a sense of insecurity in society.

Rising fraud cases and public warnings

Authorities urged citizens not to share personal data with unknown callers or unverified companies offering fast investment returns, and not to disclose passwords or security codes over the phone.

Moldovan police continue to report daily cases of phone and online fraud, with victims losing significant sums of money. On 15 June alone, authorities registered 22 cases, with total losses exceeding one million lei ($57,000 USD), according to figures cited by Noi.md.

One of the most serious recent cases involved a 63-year-old woman in Ribnita who reportedly lost more than 500,000 lei ($28,600 USD) in a scam.

Officials say investigations and public warnings are ongoing as fraud networks continue to evolve.