Canada sanctions 16 individuals, two entities over Moldova election interference

OTTAWA, August 28, 2025 — Canada imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations over what it described as Russia’s malign interference activities in Moldova ahead of the country’s Sept. 28 parliamentary elections.

The measures target individuals that Canada said participated in coordinated efforts to destabilize Moldova’s democratically elected government. According to Global Affairs Canada, those designated are associated with politician and businessman Ilan Shor, sanctioned by Canada previously, and include officials and associates of the Shor Party, former Moldovan officials, officials from the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, and representatives of pro-Russian media in Moldova.

Canada also sanctioned the Victory/Pobeda Political Bloc, which it described as a Shor-led successor to the Shor Party launched in Russia, and the Public Association—Association of People with Epaulettes “Scutul Poporului.” The backgrounder said the listed persons and entities are subject to a dealings ban that effectively freezes assets by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from dealing in their property or providing financial or related services to them.

Those listed under the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The 16 individuals named in the backgrounder are Evghenia Gutul, Mihail Vlah, Irina Vlah, Iurii Cuznetov, Ilia Uzun, Victor Petrov, Nelli Parutenco, Natalia Parasca, Dumitru Chitoroagă, Dmitri Buimistru, Alexei Lungu, Veaceslav Valico, Victoria Furtună, Irina Lozovan, Alexandr Nesterovschi and Chiril Guzun.