Meta Platforms announced on Friday the removal of a network of accounts aimed at Russian speakers in Moldova, ahead of the country's election on October 20, due to breaches of its policy against fake accounts.

In addition, Moldovan authorities have blocked several Telegram channels and chatbots associated with a scheme to incentivize voters financially.

In the forthcoming election, pro-European President Maia Sandu, who is campaigning for a second term, has prioritized Moldova's integration into the European Union as a central theme. 

Meta disclosed that the fake accounts disseminated negative commentary about Sandu, pro-EU politicians, and Moldova's relationship with Romania, while simultaneously endorsing pro-Russian parties.

The operation featured fictitious Russian-language news outlets masquerading as independent organizations across multiple platforms, including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as Telegram and TikTok.

Meta took action against seven Facebook accounts, 23 pages, one group, and 20 Instagram accounts for "coordinated inauthentic behavior." The pages collectively had approximately 4,200 followers, while the Instagram accounts boasted around 335,000 followers.

In Chisinau, Moldova's National Investigation Inspectorate has blocked 15 Telegram channels and 95 chatbots that were offering financial incentives to voters, citing violations of local political finance regulations. 

These accounts were linked to supporters of fugitive businessman Ilan Shor, whose political party has been banned. Shor, currently residing in Moscow, denies any wrongdoing related to voter bribery.

Moldovan police are investigating potential election interference, including allegations of payments made to tens of thousands of voters through Russian bank accounts. 

Shor was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for his role in a 2014 banking scandal but remains at large in Russia. Sandu has accused Moscow of attempting to undermine her administration, while Russia claims she is inciting anti-Russian sentiment.