Moldovan authorities arrested Evghenia Gutul, governor of the pro-Russian autonomous region of Gagauzia, at Chișinău International Airport on March 26, placing her in custody for 72 hours. 

Gutul, who was already barred from leaving the country, was attempting to travel to Istanbul, a route frequently used by associates of fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor to reach his residence in Moscow. She faces new charges related to the illegal financing of the now-banned Shor Party, adding to her ongoing trial on similar allegations.

The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on politicians linked to Shor, who is accused of coordinating Russian interference in Moldova’s elections. The country is preparing for key parliamentary elections this year, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb foreign influence. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office also announced fresh searches in connection with the illegal financing case.

Moscow swiftly condemned the arrest, with Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov criticising the move, according to NewsMaker. In response, Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi stated that "the Russian leadership openly defends criminal groups in the Republic of Moldova”. Relations between the two countries have been increasingly strained, with Moldova’s pro-European government pushing back against Russia’s influence.

The criminal investigation into the financing of the Shor Party began in 2022, a year before the Constitutional Court declared the party illegal. Prosecutors allege that Shor funnelled large sums of money to his party, transferring cash that was not reported in official financial disclosures. These funds were allegedly used to pay party employees and compensate participants in anti-government protests.

Shor, who fled Moldova following corruption charges, has continued to exert political influence from abroad. His financial and political ties to Russia have made him a central figure in Moldova’s struggle against foreign interference, as the government seeks to reinforce its European integration agenda ahead of the upcoming elections.