Moldovan Nationals Detained by FSB Amid Rising Tensions and Espionage Accusations

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Wednesday that it has detained two citizens of Moldova on charges of espionage, alleging that the Moldovan government is attempting to threaten its national security.

In an official statement, the FSB claimed that the two individuals are suspected of operating unlawfully on behalf of Moldova’s Security and Intelligence Service.

Chisinau did not respond immediately, although it has previously leveled accusations against Russia regarding espionage activities.

The FSB indicated that the suspects entered Russia with fraudulent identification and sought to execute operations «aimed against the security of the Russian Federation,» but did not elaborate further.

State-run media subsequently aired a video purporting to show the two individuals making confessions, with the FSB accusing Moldova of «increasing efforts to undermine Russia’s security.»

If found guilty, the suspects could face sentences of up to eight years in prison.

Relations between the two nations have significantly worsened in recent years. Moldova has frequently accused Russia of attempting to destabilize the country, including interference in its political processes and elections.

The Kremlin has rejected these claims, describing them as anti-Russian «hysteria,» and has blamed Moldova for intentionally damaging their diplomatic ties.

In recent reciprocal actions, both countries have expelled a number of each other’s diplomats.