Chisinau Railway Station: Ilan Shor’s Paid Protest Sparks Controversy

On August 16, 2025, the Chisinau Railway Station square became the epicenter of a heated confrontation as Moldovan police intervened to dismantle an unauthorized protest organized by supporters of fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor. The demonstration, orchestrated by Shor’s “Victory” Bloc and affiliated “Sansă” party, was marred by allegations of paid participation, provocative tactics, and potential violence.

The Unauthorized Protest at Chisinau Railway Station

Ilan Shor’s Paid Protest Scheme

Fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, currently residing in Moscow after being convicted of financial crimes in Moldova, announced plans for an “indefinite” protest in Chisinau, promising participants $3,000 monthly payments to rally against the pro-European government. The protest, initially planned for the Great National Assembly Square, was relocated to the Chisinau Railway Station after authorities scheduled a public safety exhibition at the original site under the motto “Safely on Vacation.”

Shor’s “Victory” Bloc, alongside the “Sansă” party led by Alexei Lungu, encouraged supporters to set up tents at the railway station on August 16, 2025. However, the demonstration was unauthorized, prompting swift police intervention. The National Police had warned citizens against participating, citing the illegality of the protest and the risk of fines up to 7,500 lei per day.

Police Dismantle Tents Amid Provocations

On the evening of August 16, law enforcement, led by Marin Garaz, head of Chisinau’s police department, moved to dismantle tents erected by Ilan Shor’s supporters. The crowd, described as consisting of only a few dozen participants despite claims of 10,000 attendees, included young individuals allegedly trained in Russia to use non-lethal weapons and provoke authorities.

In a bid to mock the police, organizers brought animators dressed as Pikachu, Labubu, and Pokémon characters, who were detained during the intervention. Images of these detentions were widely shared on social media by the “Victory” Bloc, amplifying the protest’s visibility. A tense moment arose when a citizen shouted, “Glory to the Ukrainians!” prompting verbal abuse from Shor’s supporters, who responded with “March to Ukraine!” This exchange underscored the provocative and divisive nature of the demonstration.

Police Response and Official Warnings

Preemptive Measures by Authorities

Days before the protest, the National Police issued multiple warnings about its illegality, emphasizing that it was financed by Shor’s criminal organization to destabilize Moldova. On August 12, police urged Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban to block the protest, citing it as a “threat to national security.” Ceban, however, clarified that the mayor’s office lacks authority to permit or ban political events, likening the police’s request to asking them to “dance in a theater instead of catching criminals.”

The General Inspectorate of Police (IGP), led by Viorel Cernăuțeanu, highlighted that participants were instructed to register via an app for money transfers through PSB, a Russian bank, and that overnight protesters would receive additional payments. Cernăuțeanu warned that participating in the protest could lead to criminal charges, with fines significantly outweighing the promised payments.

Road Blockade Attempt and Police Intervention

During the protest, Shor’s supporters attempted to block roads near the railway station, prompting Garaz to intervene and demand they return to the designated area. He warned that road blockades could result in criminal charges. The protesters eventually complied, clearing the roads after police action. Drone footage revealed the small scale of the demonstration, contradicting the “Victory” Bloc’s exaggerated claims of attendance.

As of August 17, 2025, the police have not released official statements on the number of detentions or sanctions, nor have they responded to accusations from organizers, who labeled the intervention “shameful.”

Ilan Shor’s Influence and Moldova’s Political Tensions

Shor’s History of Controversy

Ilan Shor, a convicted oligarch sentenced to 15 years in absentia for his role in Moldova’s 2014 “billion-dollar bank fraud,” has been a polarizing figure in Moldovan politics. Operating from Moscow, Shor leads the “Victory” Bloc and has been accused of orchestrating destabilization efforts on behalf of Russian interests. In 2025, the U.S. imposed sanctions on three companies controlled by Shor—“A7,” “A71,” and “A7-AGENT”—for evading international restrictions, further highlighting his illicit activities.

Shor’s promise of $3,000 monthly payments to protesters has been widely condemned as “criminal incitement” by Moldovan authorities. Posts on X reflect public outrage, with users describing the scheme as “pro-Russian” and a threat to Moldova’s pro-European trajectory.

A Test of Police Response

Andrei Curăraru, an expert from the Watchdog community, described the protest as a “paid spectacle” designed to test the police’s response capabilities and motivate participation through financial incentives. The small turnout suggests limited public support for Shor’s agenda, but the provocative tactics, including the use of costumed animators and trained agitators, indicate a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions.

The protest also coincided with Moldova’s preparations for the September 28, 2025, parliamentary elections, a critical moment for the country’s pro-European government. Shor’s actions, including his “Renaștere” party’s failure to secure registration for the elections, underscore his reliance on disruptive tactics to influence public opinion.

Implications for Moldova’s Stability and European Aspirations

National Security Concerns

The Moldovan police’s swift intervention reflects heightened concerns about foreign-backed destabilization efforts, particularly in the context of Russia’s influence in the region. The protest’s pro-Russian undertones, evidenced by the crowd’s reaction to pro-Ukrainian sentiments, highlight the geopolitical tensions at play. Moldova’s government, led by President Maia Sandu, is navigating a delicate balance as it pursues EU integration while countering Russian interference.

Public Sentiment and Social Media

Posts on X reveal a polarized public response, with some users condemning Shor’s tactics as “disgusting” and others criticizing the police for restricting the right to protest. Shor himself urged police not to “stifle the people’s protest,” framing the demonstration as a legitimate expression of dissent. However, the small attendance and evidence of paid participation undermine these claims, suggesting the protest was more performative than grassroots.

A Failed Provocation Amid Moldova’s Push for Stability

The police intervention at the Chisinau Railway Station on August 16, 2025, effectively curtailed Ilan Shor’s attempt to stage a disruptive, paid protest. While the “Victory” Bloc and “Sansą” party sought to provoke chaos with theatrical tactics and financial incentives, the small turnout and swift police response limited the demonstration’s impact. As Moldova approaches its parliamentary elections and advances toward EU integration, Shor’s actions underscore the ongoing challenge of countering foreign-backed destabilization efforts.