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Moscow funding for Moldovan religious and political figures revealed
An investigation by RISE Moldova has revealed that the Russian Federation provided significant financial aid to various religious and political entities within the Republic of Moldova between 2016 and 2018. According to internal Russian documents, approved requests totaled at least 8.5 million rubles (over 2.5 million lei).
Beneficiaries included religious leaders with pro-Russian stances and local politicians. Notable recipients include Bishop Marchel of Bălți and Fălești, who received 853,000 rubles in 2016 for church items and 1.12 million rubles in 2017 for candles. Additionally, former deputy Fiodor Gagauz, through the Edinaia Gagauzia movement, requested 1.2 million rubles in 2015 to purchase religious inventory for a church in Copceac.
The funding targeted projects in Gagauzia and the Transnistria region, often involving the purchase of liturgical items such as golden chalices, crosses, and candles.
Entities
Bishop Marchel · Fiodor Gagauz · Gagauzia · Orthodox Church of Moldova · RISE Moldova
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 2017, Bishop Marchel requested 1.12 million rubles for the purchase of candles. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [● 3 SOURCES] Between 2016 and 2018, Russian officials approved requests from Moldova totaling at least 8.5 million rubles. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [● 3 SOURCES] Moscow provided financial aid to support the Orthodox Church in Moldova and projects in Gagauzia and the Transnistria region. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] Former deputy Fiodor Gagauz submitted a subsidy request for 1.2 million rubles through the Edinaia Gagauzia movement in 2015. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bishop Marchel of Bălți and Fălești received 853,000 rubles in 2016 for church objects. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md