site.btaOligarchic Structures Are Fastest Route for Russian Hybrid Influence - PM Zhelyazkov

Oligarchic infrastructures currently being built are the most direct route for achieving the goals of Russian hybrid propaganda and for undermining the normal functioning of societies, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said during a press conference following his meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean here on Sunday.

Zhelyazkov’s comments came in response to a question about EU sanctions against individuals accused of attempting to destabilize democracy in Moldova, and the recent arrest in Greece of wanted Moldovan national Vladimir Plahotniuc, who is alleged to have possessed a false Bulgarian passport.

“We will closely monitor this case — it concerns not only Moldova but also involves Bulgaria and Greece,” Zhelyazkov stated. He explained that, according to preliminary checks, an individual under the name Mihail Tauandzi [correct spelling may be different] applied for Bulgarian identity documents in 2004, later using the name Mihail Teoshanov. At the time, the then National Security Service [predecessor to the State Agency for National Security] issued a negative opinion, yet identity documents were issued nonetheless.

“An investigation is currently underway to determine whether it is indeed the same person or a case of falsified identity,” Zhelyazkov added.
For his part, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that Plahotniuc used numerous fake identities, which is a clear sign of his criminal mindset.

“He will be brought back to the country and punished to the full extent of the law. I trust that Moldovan institutions—especially those tasked with prosecuting criminal acts—will not hesitate to act,” Recean said. Regarding the EU sanctions, Recean clarified that they include the freezing of assets and bank accounts within the European Union, and stressed that Moldova will take the same measures domestically.