Moldova to kick out Russian diplomats over espionage allegations

Moldova has ordered dozens of Russian diplomats and embassy staff to leave the country over “numerous unfriendly actions.”

Wednesday’s decision came after independent Russian and Moldovan news outlets published an investigation revealing that the Russian embassy in the Moldovan capital Chisinau has 28 "spy antennas" installed on its rooftops, which are likely used to intercept signals and gather intelligence.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said earlier this week that the country’s security services are aware of Russian spying equipment and are working on a solution to this problem.

“We consider absolutely unacceptable any acts of espionage and foreign interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova, which represent a direct challenge to the sovereignty and national security of our state,” the Moldovan foreign ministry said in a statement.

The media investigation found that satellite dishes on the embassy and a neighboring building are probably linked to a command center inside the building. The rotation of these dishes suggests that they are transmitting data to Russian satellites, they reported.

According to experts interviewed by journalists, satellites can capture and potentially modify signals between a transmitter and a receiver before releasing them again. These signals can come from radio, television, mobile networks, or satellite communications.

Journalists reported that the number of antennas in Moldova has increased every year, and employees of the Russian special services were seen climbing onto the embassy's roof to maintain them.

Earlier in April, a cross-border journalism network identified 182 similar satellite dishes installed on the rooftops of Russian embassies across Europe. According to the investigation, these antennas can intercept radio waves, data of mobile phone devices, and even listen in to phone calls.

The Russian embassy didn’t respond to Recorded Future News’ request for a comment regarding the spying allegations.

The tension between Russia and Moldova, a former Soviet country, has intensified since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

President Sandu previously accused Russia of “waging a hybrid war against Moldova” including through “propaganda and disinformation” alongside “multiple cyberattacks” and “multiple false bomb alerts.”

Over the past year, Moldova has witnessed a sharp increase in cyberattacks. Due to its alliance with Ukraine, the country has become an attractive target for pro-Russian hackers.

The country’s internet connection has also suffered from the war in Ukraine. In November, Russian missile strikes on Ukraine caused internet disruptions in Moldova, as it is connected to Ukraine’s power grid.