The United States is designating seven leading members of a Russian intelligence-linked group and one entity for their role in Russia’s malign influence campaigns and destabilization operations in Moldova.

These actors are a part of Russia’s global information operations that have also targeted the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and countries in the Balkans.  The goal of these destabilizing operations is to weaken support for democratic governments and principles.  These operatives provoke, train and oversee groups in democratic countries that conduct anti-government protests, rallies, marches, and demonstrations with the goal of overthrowing democratically elected leaders and creating or exacerbating instability.

Today’s action comes on the heels of the European Council and Canada imposing sanctions on several individuals for actions aimed at destabilizing, undermining, or threatening the sovereignty and independence of Moldova.

The United States, along with our Allies and partners, will continue to expose, disrupt, and deter Russia’s malign influence campaigns. We will also continue to support Moldova as it makes necessary reforms to strengthen its democracy, build a prosperous and secure future, deepen its integration with Europe, and promote respect for human rights.

Treasury’s actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order 14024, which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.  For more information about these designations, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release  .

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