Moldovan police say criminals plotting to seize public buildings in election campaign

FILE PHOTO: Moldovan incumbent President and candidate in the upcoming presidential election Maia Sandu attends a campaign rally in Chisinau, Moldova September 20, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

CHISINAU (Reuters) - A top police official said on Friday that criminal groups with Russian backing were intent on disrupting Moldova's presidential election, including attempts to seize government buildings.

The Oct. 20 election, in which pro-European President Maia Sandu is seeking reelection, is becoming increasingly heated. The poll is being held alongside a referendum on pressing for European Union membership and officials accuse pro-Kremlin groups of offering cash for voters to reject the EU plebiscite.