According to tradition, the Remembrance ceremony took place at the SIS headquarters, at the monument dedicated to the heroes of state security bodies, fallen in the armed conflict on the Nistru river. The event was attended by the heads of SIS veterans’ organizations and members of the SIS Board.

The participants paid tribute to the combatants, fallen for the integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova, expressing gratitude for the courage and bravery they proved in the armed conflict.

The thematic meeting organised by the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” was one of the commemorative activities. It was attended by veterans, who took part in the war that escalated in 1992, and students. Veterans Valeriu FURDUI and Vladimir FOȘNEA shared their battlefield experiences, mentioning the bounden duty to keep in eternal memory the deeds of those who sacrificed their lives in the war and to ensure that such conflicts will never happen again.

...

Today, February 19, the annual meeting of the Board of the Security and Intelligence Service took place. It discussed the SIS activity during 2020 and priorities for the current year. Maia SANDU - President of the Republic of Moldova, Aureliu CIOCOI - interim Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Ana REVENCO – Secretary of Supreme Security Council and Serghei SÎRBU – Chairman of the Committee for national security, defense and public order.

In his speech, the SIS Director, Alexandr ESAULENCO referred to the tasks undertaken by the institution in 2020 and special measures of functional competence that contributed to ensuring and maintaining the state security. He offered a retrospective of multiple challenges and dangers generated by internal and external factors, which had direct economic, social and political consequences on national interests and security of the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, he outlined the measures taken by the SIS to prevent and minimize the negative impact of the challenges. In this context, he thanked the staff for performing their duties with honesty and professionalism, for sacrifice during service missions and for their patriotism and devotion to the country.

Counterespionage and economic counterintelligence were also mentioned during the meeting. One of the strategic objectives in these fields focuses on combating internal and external factors that jeopardize energy security, financial market stability, national public budget and citizens. Another objective aims at optimizing and streamlining the mechanism for detection of intelligence and subversive activities that foreign intelligence services carry out against national security of the Republic of Moldova.

A significant increase in the flow of intelligence products to beneficiaries was another topic of discussion. In 2020, the recipients received well-founded operational analysis, as well as tangible results of special investigations, which strengthened the management process and response to security risks.

The SIS Director listed a series of priorities that will be implemented during 2021. The most important ones concern development and strengthening of institutional capacities, as well as maximum concentration on combating the corruption phenomenon that undermines national security, especially in public bodies and justice sector, as well as those associated to large-scale smuggling, money-laundering, misappropriation of government funds, compromising external investment projects etc. Particular attention will be paid to efficiency of the human resources management and improving the process of ensuring integrity of intelligence officers.

Maia SANDU, President of the Republic of Moldova, mentioned in her speech: “Сorruption is the main threat to the country, especially high level corruption – it makes Moldova poorer, weaker and more vulnerable. Over time, SIS was used in some cases for the benefit of narrow interests, not national ones. I will not tolerate such behaviour. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to work to rebuild the trust of citizens in public institutions. This is why, I will repeat my message for all public officials – I will support you. My colleagues and I will support the institutional reform so that worthy people and those of high integrity are promoted and nobody can force them to act against law. The Republic of Moldova needs a strong, proactive and efficient Intelligence Service.”

Aureliu CIOCOI, interim Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, thanked employees of the Security and Intelligence Service for their contribution in identification and prevention of risks to national security and reiterated the need to use all the legal levers to counteract any limitation of the efficiency and functionality of public bodies. The interim head of the Government advises to take all the necessary measures to strengthen national security of the Republic of Moldova.

At the end of the meeting, the SIS Board adopted a decision on discussed topics, provided proposals and set deadlines for their implementation.

Considering the evolution of the epidemiological situation in Moldova, the meeting of the SIS Board was organized in a restricted format, complying with safety rules. Therefore, only members of the SIS Board, heads of operational departments and guests of honour took part in the event.

...

Today, February 15, the leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service, together with other officials, honoured the fallen of the Afghanistan War in a commemoration ceremony.

The event started with a traditional wreath-laying at the Ştefan cel Mare şi Sfânt monument and continued at the “Feciorilor Patriei-Sfântă Amintire” memorial complex.

Dignitaries, servicemen from command staff, war veterans and members of their families also attended the event. During the ceremony, several speeches were delivered and a moment of silence was held in memory of the 300 countrymen fallen in Afghanistan military operations.

In connection to marking the 32nd anniversary of the withdrawal of the limited contingent of armed troops from Afghanistan, the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” (NIIS) organised the meeting of young intelligence officers with Mr. Petru SPLAVNIC, war veteran and retired colonel.

The NIIS rector invited students to benefit from this unique opportunity and to learn from an exceptional professional in national security, who took part in various historical events. At the same time, he reiterated the need to maintain the bond between generations and to pass on the valuable experience gained both during special operations and personal ones. Moreover, the rector mentioned the importance of the principle of neutrality and keeping the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

In his speech, Petru SPLAVNIC talked about the peculiarities of his missions abroad, the heroism and sacrifice of the Moldovans during a war that never belonged to them, but also about the constant goal of the intelligence services – to prevent conflicts and their impact on citizens and society.

Mr. SPLAVNIC encouraged officers to defend skilfully the Motherland and to be aware of their role and place in a democratic society. He wished them to never know the horrors of war and to keep faithfully the peace.

...

For two weeks, between February 8-19, intelligence officers will join the students of a high school from Chișinău to inform them about contemporary terrorism and violence related to this scourge, which continues to grow worldwide.

They will meet during the school subject “Education for Society”, where students will learn about terrorism risks and challenges, as well as the main personal safety rules.

The initiative of the Security and Intelligence Service will contribute to a better understanding by the young generation of the field and national security needs, emerging from the new risks and threats.

Also, the purpose of this dialogue is to boost collaborative relationships with informational impact between the SIS and educational institutions, in order to raise awareness of the society and involve it in the process of ensuring national security.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service respectfully requests public dignitaries and political actors to refrain from making false, slanderous and derogatory statements about the institution.

Unfortunately, the trend to involve the Security and Intelligence Service in political debates and games continues. Recently, during a TV show, one of the political leaders stated that the institution follows illegal orders of the President of the Republic of Moldova regarding the political party he represents.

The SIS disapproves and denies this information and reaffirms its firm position of full compliance with existing legislation and prioritisation of fundamental rights and freedoms in the process of ensuring national security in all areas of activity.

Despite any insinuations, the SIS reaffirms its determination to maintain neutrality and equidistant approach in daily activities, by carrying out missions in strict accordance with the security interests of the Republic of Moldova.

In the same line, the Security and Intelligence Service urges mass-media representatives to get first-hand information regarding the activity of the institution and to reflect the position of the SIS in materials which concern it, granting the right of reply.

...

Preventing and combating the corruption phenomenon that undermines national security was declared a priority of the Security and Intelligence Service for 2021.

The objective was approved during the extraordinary meeting of the Board of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova, held on December 30, 2020, as result of previous discussions between Maia SANDU, President of the Republic of Moldova, and Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of SIS.

In his speech, Alexandr ESAULENCO referred to the tasks that the institution will take on during 2021 and the special measures of functional competence that will contribute to ensuring and maintaining national security.

Moreover, the SIS Director did a retrospective of the activity and reiterated the main internal and external risk factors that emerged during 2020. Also, he mentioned the actions that SIS undertook in order to eliminate the risks, both in terms of intelligence and counterintelligence.

Particular attention was given to the corruption phenomenon that proved to be the most serious threat to national security in recent years, reflected also by the number of investigations of intelligence officers into actions with the greatest economic and social impact.

Likewise, the Director mentioned that institution detected several corruption processes in various sectors such as: state bodies, justice, strategic branches of the national economy, financial, banking, tax, and customs sectors, etc.

The SIS Director listed a number of priorities to be implemented in the near future aimed to prevent and discourage corruption offenses and associated forms. The main priorities are directed to develop and strengthen institutional capacities, to put maximum focus on sectors that impact national security, and to develop combat capabilities of the Security and Intelligence Service regarding the corruption phenomenon.

At the end of the meeting, the Board adopted a decision on the discussed topics, bringing forward proposals and setting deadlines for their implementation.

...

Today, December 26, 2020, Mr. Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova, had a meeting with Ms. Maia SANDU, President of the Republic of Moldova.

The meeting addressed issues related to the security situation in the country and the main risks and vulnerabilities to national security.

The SIS Director informed the head of state about the priorities of the institution and activities aimed to strengthen the national security system, including concrete measures to prevent and combat corruption. Also, the orientation of the SIS towards transparency and strict compliance with the law was reconfirmed during the discussions.

The President emphasized that the citizens expect the state institutions to act in their interest and to abide by the law.

...

UPDATE:

The driver of the van with diplomatic plates, detained during a SIS-CUSTOMS operation, was indicted. The operation was carried out on Saturday at the Palanca customs post, when authorities found boxes of anabolic steroids, worth over 8 million lei.

Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) took over the case and indicted the driver for attempted smuggling of anabolic steroids and psychotropic substances. Consequently, PCCOCS will submit a request for a 30-day arrest warrant.

According to the law, the crime of smuggling is punishable by imprisonment from 3 to 10 years for individuals, while for entities – by a fine amounting from 300 000 to 500 000 lei and deprivation of the right to exercise a certain activity or termination of the entity.

We remind that, on 5 December, at Palanca customs post, officers of the Security and Intelligence Service jointly with the employees of the Customs Service countered an attempt of illicit trafficking in anabolic steroids. The products were found in the cargo compartment of a van with CD (diplomatic corps) license plates.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service actively involves in the implementation of the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and of the recommendations made by the experts of the MONEYVAL Committee in the Mutual Evaluation Report on the Republic of Moldova, issued on July 2019, in Strasbourg.

In this context, on 28 October 2020, authorities approved the Government Decision no. 792 on approval of the Regulation for implementation procedure of targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism activities and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The Regulation was drafted by the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova, as a national authority in preventing and countering terrorism, in coordination with other public authorities competent in this field, and according to transparency procedures provided by the law in force.

The objectives of the document concern the implementation efficiency of the targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism activities and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

At the same time, the Regulation ensures the full compliance with the Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council on the implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism activities (regarding “Taliban”, “ISIL (Da'esh)”, “Al-Qaeda”) and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (regarding Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea).

In this connection, the Regulation aims to fulfill the general provisions regarding implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism activities and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, covered by Law no. 120 of 21.09.2017 on preventing and combating terrorism and Law no. 308 of 22.12.2017 on preventing and combating money laundering and terrorism financing, as follows:

- regulates the method of implementation of targeted financial sanctions regarding persons, groups or entities involved in terrorism activities and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (hereinafter - designated persons, groups and entities);

- lays down the procedure for designating and de-listing persons, groups and entities in/from the consolidated list;

- determines the competences and attributions of the authorities responsible in this field and establishes the general framework for the implementation of targeted financial sanctions.

The approval and implementation of the Regulation will ensure harmonization of the national legal framework with international standards and good practices in the field. At the same time, it will strengthen and increase efficiency of the national system for the implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism activity and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ensuring a combative and dissuasive attitude.

The Security and Intelligence Service is aware of the impact and extent of the threats posed by terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, SIS supports the efforts of the international community to prevent and counteract factors that contribute to the emergence and development of these phenomena.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service denies and disapproves the statements launched in the public space by the representatives of the Congress of Local Authorities of the Republic of Moldova regarding the institution's involvement in actions aimed to prevent protests organized by them on November 27.

We mention that, as an authority specialized in national security, the SIS constantly monitors events with potential to affect security and public order but it does not involve in depriving of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, regardless of protest organizers or topics.

Moreover, the role and purpose of the SIS is to contribute to the security of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, also during legal public assemblies.

We reiterate our call not to attract the institution into an area of speculation and political disputes. At the same time, the SIS is open to cooperation in order to elucidate the circumstances that led to such public statements.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service took part in the “Reviving the Philharmonic Hall, reviving together” campaign, contributing with a donation of 392 thousand lei.

Intelligence officers hope that they will contribute with this civic gesture to accelerating the reconstruction process of one of the most important cultural and artistic institutions in the country, so this symbol of national values continues to promote well-known personalities of musical culture and to delight art lovers as soon as possible.

The National Philharmonic Hall has a rich history of over 80 years, which includes the debut of some of the most representative musical groups, including the ensembles "Joc", "Fluieraş", "Lăutarii", valuable artists such as Timofei Gurtovoi, Veronica Garștea, Boris Miliutin, Dumitru Goia, Ghita Strahilevici, Serghei Lunchevici, Vladimir Curbet, Victor Copacinschi, Nicolae Botgros, Nicolae Sulac, Tamara Ciobanu, Zinaida Julea, as well as many other famous names.

The money was transferred to the account of the Ministry of Finance, opened to collect funds for the reconstruction of the “Serghei Lunchevici” National Philharmonic Hall, devastated by a fire on 24 September 2020.

...

Promotion of world peace and gender issues are top priorities on the international security agenda, but also of the Republic of Moldova. The Security and Intelligence Service, along with other state bodies, considers these issues as key ones for ensuring social security and maximizing the use of human potential.

It should be noted that the SIS is close to putting into practice the principle of gender parity – women account for 45% of the staff.

At the same time, the SIS is fully committed to the implementation of the national agenda in this field, including the National Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, launching the initiative of “Gender Perspective in Security Sector” training course.

In this regard, a group of about 40 employees of the Security and Intelligence Service took for a month a training course covering topics and methodologies for promoting world peace, using specific tools of the gender perspective.

The author and trainer of the course, PhD, Assoc. Prof., Natalia ALBU considers that integration of the gender perspective contributes to the operational efficiency of the security sector. Also, Ms. ALBU believes that gender perspective is a tool for easing the creation of representative security institutions and for strengthening democratic control over them.

...

Today, November 4, at the Security and Intelligence Service took place the ceremony, where newly employed officers and students of the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” (NIIS) took the Oath of allegiance to Motherland.

As an exception caused by restrictions of the pandemic crisis, the event took place without the families and relatives of the young officers, but only in the presence of SIS leadership, the command staff, and teaching staff.

Alexandr ESAULENCO, the SIS Director, congratulated the young officers, who were picked in the process of rigorous selection, with the choice they made when they decided to become part of the Security and Intelligence Service. He reminded officers that this is a lifetime commitment that imposes many responsibilities and a perfect image. “You must be aware that on your shoulders lies the commitment to offer society the guarantee of legality, fairness and impartiality, which can not exist without a solid culture, high professional ethics and respect for institutional values and traditions. You have the obligation to participate in fulfilling the fundamental mission of ensuring national security and defending constitutional values”, mentioned the SIS Director.

Moreover, Alexandr ESAULENCO expressed gratitude to the teaching staff for the dedication, responsibility and mastery they prove during the training courses, that help young people to become intelligence officers with insight, anticipation skills and strong moral and professional strength.

The new class of officers will take a professional training course at the National Institute of Intelligence and Security. They will have the opportunity to acquire a new set of skills, different from the one they had before. In addition to extensive knowledge, they will also gain the defining qualities of the intelligence officer, such as: honesty, dignity, fairness, integrity and team spirit.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service seeks to introduce clarity in connection with the information appearing in the mass-media on draft amendment to Law on electronic communications No. 241/2007, in order to impose the obligation to sell prepaid SIM cards only when the customer provides an identity document.

Thus, we inform you that SIS initiated a draft Law, as being an institution responsible for implementing point 2.4 of the Action Plan on the implementation of the National Cyber Security Program of the Republic of Moldova for 2016-2020, approved by Government Decision No. 811/2015, which stipulates to conduct a study with regard to amendment of the Electronic Communications Law, in order to eliminate or reduce the number of anonymous subscribers to electronic communications services.

We mention that, in accordance with the provisions of art. 25 para. (2) of Law No. 100/2017 on normative acts, if the draft provides regulations with impact on entrepreneurial activity, the authority produces only the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) as a research study, carried out in accordance with the legislation. Therefore, the Security and Intelligence Service submitted the RIA of the draft to the working group of the State Commission for the Regulation of Entrepreneurial Activity. At the same time, we emphasize that the Regulatory Impact Analysis represents the initial stage of drafting the law. Consequently, the draft will be submitted for public consultation and will be edited according to objections and suggestions of all the interested entities, especially – civil society and electronic service providers.

Similar regulations have been successfully implemented in over 150 countries around the world, including the member states of the European Union, such as: France, Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Luxembourg, Italy, Poland, Spain, Slovakia, Greece etc.

The Security and Intelligence Service reiterates that the draft does not aim to ban the sale of prepaid SIM cards or other prepaid electronic services. The SIS proposes to impose the obligation for providers to register the minimum amount of data needed for identification, if necessary and legitimate, of the user of these services.

We emphasize that electronic service providers present data, and law enforcement bodies process it, only on a legal basis, in accordance with criminal procedure law and administrative law, with full respect for all fundamental human and citizen rights and freedoms.

The draft will address the problem of the increased number of people using anonymous electronic services, which hinders law enforcement bodies to identify them during special investigative actions and criminal prosecution actions, in particular of crimes in telecommunications, cybercrime, and terrorist, extremist and other related crimes.

Moreover, the draft will be an additional active instrument for ensuring the state security and public order, along with the existing ones, but also a factor for prevention of illegalities.

At the same time, the draft provides for a transitional period to comply with the new regulations, sufficient to effectively inform all users of the prepaid electronic services.

...

Following the intelligence assessment provided by the Security and Intelligence Service and the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency, the Prosecutor's Office submitted conclusive evidence showing that Vladimir PLAHOTNIUC is the beneficial owner of assets estimated at over 160 million LEI. The mentioned properties are to be seized by the authorities from Romania, France and Switzerland.

Namely, it concerns his villas from Switzerland, France and Romania, 5 cars and a boat (registered in Switzerland). Also, 9 apartments, registered in his wife's name, and 4 cars (registered in the Republic of Moldova) are to be seized.

According to the findings, the movable and immovable assets resulted allegedly from the money stolen from the banking system of the Republic of Moldova. In order to ensure the recovery of the damage caused by crimes, prosecutors insisted on seizing his properties in the country and abroad.

Previously, Ciocana office of the Court of Chișinău Municipality ordered the seizure of 10 real estate objects in the Republic of Moldova – 6 apartments and 4 non-residential premises of the same person, estimated at about 33 million LEI.

All the properties of the accused, located on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, have already been seized.

The set of documents with the necessary translations were sent to the authorities of France, Switzerland and Romania, in order to be executed.

We remind that any person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a definitive and irrevocable court judgement.

...

The Antiterrorist Centre of the Security and Intelligence Service carried out a series of training sessions for the employees of the General Inspectorate of Carabineers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Participants were informed about the counter-terrorism issues, in particular about the tactics and methods used by radical entities, the procedures for identifying possible risk situations and suspect individuals, as well as the response measures when such cases are detected.

The course run from 1 to 9 October 2020 and over 500 servicemen joined it, including employees of the “CENTER”, “NORTH” and “SOUTH” Regional Departments, as well as Special Task Force “SCORPION” of the General Inspectorate of Carabineers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The training is part of the activity plan for 2020 of the Antiterrorist Centre of the SIS. It aims to enhance the interaction between the Security and Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to prevent and counter terrorism, as well as to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms to eventual risks to national security.

Moreover, such events give the opportunity of establishing direct contacts to help the development and improvement of the cooperation and interoperability instruments among the state bodies, in accordance with the needs and training requirements of the staff that perform national security missions.

...

According to preliminary data that law enforcement institutions have at this stage, two other persons are in illegal custody of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian region. The authorities of the Republic of Moldova continue efforts to elucidate the created situation and to help the release of the illegally detained citizens.

With reference to the two released persons, we note that they did not appear before the constitutional bodies of the Republic of Moldova and would be at their places of residence on the left bank of the Nistru river – an obligation imposed by the so-called Tiraspol authorities of not leaving the territory of the Transnistrian region.

...

In the context of the public statements made by some Members of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, we note the following:

The Security and Intelligence Service continues to document the abuses committed by the representatives of the so-called law enforcement institutions from the Tiraspol. We remind that SIS identified individuals involved in the kidnapping of Andrei AMARFI, an employee of the Florești Police Inspectorate. The obtained preliminary information was forwarded to the General Prosecutor's Office to support criminal procedure measures initiated on this case.

Likewise, we possess operative information about the detention of persons incriminated for activity in favour of the constitutional bodies of the Republic of Moldova, during 7-8 October. The information was promptly provided to law enforcement bodies and further efforts are being made to elucidate the circumstances and to help the release of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.

We reiterate that the SIS, with plenipotentiary powers, engages all of its instruments in order to ensure the security of the detained citizens and to provide support for the criminal prosecution of individuals who are guilty of the illegal acts.

We perceive these hostile actions committed during the electoral campaign as a possible attempt to influence the democratic processes in the Republic of Moldova.

We consider it necessary to handle the operative information in an intelligent way without prejudice to the criminal investigation.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service notes the amplification of the provocative and destabilizing activities of the alleged law enforcement institutions from the left bank of the Nistru river.

Within the activities carried out according to its competencies, the SIS identified and documented during 2020 multiple cases of illegal restraint and kidnapping of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. As in previous cases, the SIS undertakes operative measures to establish the circumstances of the kidnapping of Andrei AMARFI, an employee of the Florești Police Inspectorate, that happened on October 7.

Employees of the so-called Ministry of Security from the Tiraspol, involved in the kidnapping, were identified. The preliminary information obtained will be sent to the General Prosecutor's Office to support criminal procedure measures initiated on this case.

The Security and Intelligence Service carries out all the necessary actions to urgently release the citizen of the Republic of Moldova, also by means of the operational mechanisms. The institution continues to undertake activities according to its competences to ensure the constitutional rights of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.

...

The Antiterrorist Center of the SIS jointly with the Technical Supervision Agency carried out unannounced inspections of several authorised economic operators regarding the import and storage of explosive materials and the work with explosives for civil uses.

Following the inspections carried out on the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova, a series of irregularities were identified and documented at three economic operators in terms of storage security and storage conditions of explosive materials.

Thus, the SIS officers established that one of the permanent magazines for explosives had a licence in violation of the legal provisions. Moreover, the experts found the following irregularities: walls made of fragile materials that can be easily broken; lack of appropriate prohibition signs indicating a danger zone for population; malfunction of the fixed and portable alarm buttons; lack of video surveillance system; inefficient lighting system; lack of temperature and humidity control; location of the magazine on the territory of another economic operator with free access for third parties; lack of incident action plan.

The above-mentioned permanent magazine was also located in a residential area, less than 100 meters from the houses, as well as in the immediate vicinity of another economic operator. In this case, the shock wave of an eventual explosion could cover around 1600 meters.

After the inspection carried out at the request of the Security and Intelligence Service, the licence of the economic operator was revoked by the Public Services Agency, while the National Anticorruption Centre was also notified.

Another illegal permanent magazine was found on the territory of a limestone quarry, in the immediate vicinity of a gas pipeline. The magazine did not correspond to the conditions provided by the legal norms and did not have a specialized licence.

As a result of the numerous detected deviations, the SIS Antiterrorist Center convened a working meeting with all economic operators, authorised for this type of activity.

During the meeting, officials raised the topic of irregularities and legal requirements. Also, the economic entities were requested to eliminate irregularities within 30 days and subsequently to inform the authorities with responsibilities in the field.

According to its competences, SIS will continue to monitor explosive materials and their sources, which are outside the legal framework, in order to avoid major damages to national security, people, and environment.

Officers of the Antiterrorist Centre aim to prevent international extremist-terrorist entities from using magazines for explosive materials and transporting them abroad with intentions of committing serious and extremely serious crimes.

In this context, the SIS warns about the need to strictly comply with the legislation and technical requirements regarding import, storage of explosive materials, and work with explosives for civil uses.

Video sequences:

...

Officers of the Security and Intelligence Service jointly with the employees of the Customs Service and the PCCOCS prosecutors dismantled a criminal group specialized in particularly large-scale smuggling of consumer goods. They were illegally transported from Ukraine through the Transnistrian region. The members of the group, aged between 31 and 40, were placed under house arrest.

The criminal activity of the suspects was stopped as a result of the investigative measures carried out by the specialized services, which determined their modus operandi, the period of time and the route.

Four members of the group were caught in flagrante delicto, as a result of an ambush set up at the entrance to Chișinău. Several packages of smuggled clothes were found in one of the stopped cars, while another car was used as a forerunner that monitored the route and warned about any control filters.

According to the operational data, the goods were purchased from the “Seventh-Kilometer” market from Odessa and were introduced into the country through the Transnistrian region, circumventing internal customs control. As in other cases, the suspects used rented or borrowed vehicles, regularly changing them in order to avoid any attention of the law enforcement bodies. The found goods are worth over 1 million lei.

Investigations into this case continue in order to establish the entire criminal area and to identify all the individuals involved. If the guilt of the detained individuals is proven in court, they risk a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Video sequences:

...

A resident of the capital was detained by the Security and Intelligence Service jointly with the Prosecutor’s Office of Ciocana and Police Inspectorate of the Ciocana District for the preparation for a premeditated ordered murder.

The woman got into the sight of the SIS, after she had involved in the search of a “killer” with combat experience in Donbass, who was supposed to “liquidate” a 41-year-old man, who allegedly owed her an amount of money.

Due to the prompt actions of law enforcement bodies, an undercover intelligence officer was infiltrated as a “killer” and should have “executed” the murder for an amount of money.

The woman who ordered the murder was detained in flagrante, at the moment of delivering the second tranche of money.

The 56-year-old woman was put in preventive detention for 72 hours, while the prosecutors will file charges and will submit to court a request for arrest warrant.

For these actions, the law provides for up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.

Video and audio sequences from the operation:

Serviciul de Securitate · Omor la comandă din motivul unui conflict financiar

...

The National Institute of Intelligence and Security "Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova"(NIIS) of the Security and Intelligence Service launches, for the first time, a specialized journal “National Security Studies”.

The event is dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the creation of NIIS “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” of the SIS. The purpose of this initiative is to boost studies and research on the phenomena, challenges, risks and vulnerabilities inherent in the national security area, as well as to promote the significance of study results. In this regard, the Journal will offer current assessments and views to intelligence and security practitioners, as well as to the general public, in order to keep up with the dynamic rhythm of changes in the contemporary society and to anticipate emerging threats.

The Journal is a platform for the community of national and international experts from the academic environment and security area and gives them the opportunity to promote insights, assessments and conclusions. The scientific foundation of the national security system will contribute to the identification of gaps, providing solutions and submitting improvement recommendations. At the same time, the development of the scientific basis of the intelligence sector is an extremely important step, especially in the context of strengthening the rule of law and finding the balance between security needs and respect for human rights and freedoms.

The first issue of “National Security Studies” Journal contains studies addressing the impact of integration processes on national and regional security, democratic oversight of intelligence services, aspects of professional training in intelligence, applying of the security mandate, etc. For a better clarity and easier comprehension of the information, the experts' articles are grouped into the following thematic compartments: intelligence and national security, international security, human security and legal security.

The editorial team launches the invitation for editorial collaboration to all those interested in promoting security culture and science.

The journal will be issued once every six months and is available both in printed form (distributed free of charge) and in electronic form (see here).

...

Honorable officers, non-commissioned officers,

veterans and employees of the Security and Intelligence Service,

The 29th anniversary of the creation of state security bodies offers me the opportunity to sincerely congratulate and thank you for your active contribution to strengthening security, defense of democracy and national interests.

The institution went through multiple stages, following a complicated path of transformation into a modern intelligence service and reorientation to the new challenges to the security of the Republic of Moldova. The evolution is related not only to the reorganization and streamlining but also to a continuous change of the mentality and profile of the intelligence officer.

Today, I can state with certainty that the staff is a living organism that shows high professional and moral standards and is able to manage and keep away risks and threats to national security.

The dynamics of national and regional events, conditioned by current challenges to human security in the context of the pandemic but also those related to the information and economy led us to rethink priorities and adapt to new realities.

Of course, like any entity, we also face certain shortages, including the insufficiency of the necessary instruments from a legal perspective and deficient legal framework, which reflects on the activity and missions of the SIS.

I assure you that I am concerned about these vulnerabilities and, as Director of the Security and Intelligence Service, I will constantly promote institutional interests and will help create the necessary conditions for the honorable performance of duties, so that we remain dynamic and do not weaken the pace of discovering the realities that may affect the state security.

I express my appreciation to all those who, over time, have dedicated themselves to the intelligence officer profession, one in which success is achieved due to discretion, no honours or public appreciation, and have effectively contributed to maintaining our statehood in difficult conditions.

We have no moral right to forget the veterans, reservists and combatants of the Service who have committed their lives to defending national security and fought to ensure the safety of citizens, society and state of the Republic of Moldova.

The role of these generations of officers is indisputable because they represent a reference and a model of perseverance, individuality and professionalism, while the enormous potential they show continues to help us strengthen the operational capabilities of the institution.

Distinguished colleagues,

Enjoy many beautiful achievements, prospects of growth that will fulfill you personally and professionally. Keep performing your duties with responsibility, fairness, respect for values and aspirations of the Republic of Moldova.

I wish you health, prosperity and happiness with your loved ones!

Respectfully,

Alexandr ESAULENCO

...

Security and Intelligence Service marks today, 9 September, the Day of state security bodies employees and the 29th anniversary since the creation of the special service of the Republic of Moldova. Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, Victor GAICIUC, Secretary of the Supreme Security Council and Adviser to the President of the Republic of Moldova on National Defense and Security, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, and other guests of honor attended the event.

Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova, congratulated the intelligence officers and mentioned the essential role that the institution had during the state of emergency in promotion of the national information policy, by identifying and blocking websites spreading fake news about the pandemic situation in the country. The head of State also pointed out the contribution to making important decisions at the highest level, by providing timely data on security risks in order to reduce their extent and impact on the lives of citizens.

Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the Security and Intelligence Service, emphasized in his speech the difficult times that the Republic of Moldova is going through and the increased importance of the missions of the Security and Intelligence Service in the context of new generation challenges to national security. At the same time, the SIS Director underlined that when the national interest is concerned, we must prove pragmatism and acknowledge that missions can be accomplished only through extensive cooperation among national security system bodies, but also with the entire State apparatus, in order to keep monitoring the realities that can affect the security of society, citizen and the state.

Alexandr ESAULENCO expressed his appreciation for all those who over time have dedicated themselves to the profession of intelligence officer and have effectively contributed to maintaining the statehood of the Republic of Moldova in far from easy circumstances. In particular, he emphasized the role of veterans, reservists and combatants of the Service – the contribution of these generations of officers being indisputable. To this day, veterans represent a reference of professionalism, while their enormous potential helps strengthening the operational capacities of the Security and Intelligence Service. During the event, several intelligence officers received corporate and state decorations.

At the beginning of the official ceremony, the leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service laid flowers at the monument dedicated to the heroes of state security bodies.

...

The subject of the security mandate as an essential tool in the activity of the Security and Intelligence Service was debated at the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova”. About 50 experts, researchers and representatives of authorities competent in the field of national security took part in the mixed event with both online and offline components organized today, 8 September, under the auspices of the Security and Intelligence Service.

During the conference, the guests discussed a wide range of topics raised among academic environment and civil society on investigation means and establishment of a security mandate, especially, those concerning reasonable, proportional, and legal interference of the Security and Intelligence Service in citizens’ certain fundamental rights and freedoms.

Experts noted that in most European countries, intelligence services have this mechanism, which gives them the opportunity to carry out specific actions for intelligence gathering only on the basis of an authorization for a longer period of time, but whose primary purpose is to ensure national security, one of the most important elements of the statehood and security of the society.

Another argument in favor of this legislative initiative, stated during the dialogue, was that, currently, in the Republic of Moldova, special investigation measures can be carried out only within a criminal case, and only when the crime has already been committed. However, the purpose of the Security and Intelligence Service, first of all, is to prevent actions that may prejudice the state security, to anticipate and counteract them using extra-procedural criminal measures. Moreover, the SIS lacks the authority to carry out criminal proceedings and therefore without a security mandate, technical capabilities cannot be used to handle specific cases affecting national security.

In his speech, Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the Security and Intelligence Service, appreciated the involvement and active interest of the participants. He mentioned the need for continuity of dialogue with civil society and academic environment as a basis for transparency and broad awareness of the adoption of the draft law on security mandate.

He highlighted the role and importance that this innovative mechanism can have for the functionality, flexibility and efficiency of the SIS in the process of ensuring national security. The SIS Director reiterated that such an instrument cannot be categorized as an arbitrary tool of the Security and Intelligence Service since it can be subject to parliamentary and judicial control.

We remind you that this year, in May, the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” launched the initiative to create a platform for communication, discussions and debates between civil society, academic environment, and Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova on topics related to security and national interest, in order to enhance transparency, perception of the need and essence of the taken actions, as well as to develop the security culture in the society.

Conference proceedings can be found here.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service organized a charity event dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova. About 80 intelligence officers voluntarily took part in the blood donation campaign, including employees who recovered from COVID-19, so that all those in need could receive safe and quality-assured transfusions and blood components, in these difficult times.

With this initiative, the SIS has set itself an altruistic and responsible goal, to help replenish national blood supply. At the same time, the institution aimed to promote and raise awareness of the blood donation importance, but also to support such noble gestures.

Intelligence officers did their civic duty donating blood as a gesture of solidarity with patients in difficulty. The collected blood products will contribute to saving many lives and strengthening the society. The charity campaign tends to emphasize that the health of citizens is a priority for national security.

"Such humanitarian action is a good opportunity to encourage as many people as possible to join this mission. I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their responsiveness, dedication and responsibility. Our gesture is a chance to prolong, improve or save human lives and give hope", said Alexandr ESAULENCO, the SIS Director.

Blood donation is a philanthropic action that benefits society as a whole - both donors and those in distress. The Security and Intelligence Service urges all citizens to make joint efforts in order to maintain the public health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

...

More than 30 artillery projectiles and warheads of various calibers, as well as two aviation projectiles from the Second World War were found in a forest near Vadul lui Vodă.

The ammunition was detected following an assessment of the intelligence that Antiterrorist Centre of the SIS held.

The shells were posing an increased explosion hazard. For that reason, the institution informed Ciocana District Police Inspectorate, which subsequently, according to its competencies, requested the intervention of the sappers from the National Army in order to remove the shells.

...

The Security and Intelligence Service jointly with the General Prosecutor's Office and the support of the Internal Protection and Anti-Corruption Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) carried out yesterday a series of criminal prosecution actions in the case on JSC “Metalferos” fraud.

In fact, 31 searches were carried out at the premises of the shell and brokerage companies associated with “Metalferos”, through which schemes for metal purchasing and financial liquidity transfers were executed. Criminal prosecution actions were also carried out at the premises of the National Investigation Inspectorate (NII) of the MIA. As a result, 16 people were detained, including 4 police officers from the Department for Economic Fraud Investigation of the NII.

Also, several items and documents relevant to the criminal case were seized. The measures taken were conditioned by the results of a series of special investigation measures, criminal prosecution actions, and analysis of a wide range of financial and legal documentation. For the future, other criminal prosecution actions are planned concerning other individuals involved in the fraud.

We point out that these investigations do not jeopardize the daily activity of the respective companies. The actions of law enforcement bodies aim to document exclusively their previous illegalities, as state-owned enterprises dominating the metals market.

The acts and actions of the administration of the respective companies are to be analyzed and legally classified in terms of investigation into committing abuses or excesses of powers stipulated by the law, which would have caused particularly great damages to public interests.

...

Officers of the Security and Intelligence Service jointly with the employees of the Customs Service, and prosecutors, dismantled a criminal group specialized in particularly large-scale smuggling of consumer goods. One individual has been placed in preventive detention for 20 days and the other four are currently placed under house arrest.

The criminal activity of the accused has been documented during the last months, when officers determined modus operandi of the group members, their travel routes, as well as places for supply, storage and marketing of the smuggled goods.

According to the materials of the criminal case, the goods were purchased from the “Seventh-Kilometer” market from Odessa and were introduced into the country through the Transnistrian region, circumventing internal customs control. The accused were using rented or borrowed cars, regularly changing them in order to avoid any attention of the law enforcement bodies.

During the operation, on 1 August 2020, 5 individuals were caught in flagrante, as they were preparing to send the goods to the final beneficiaries, in a parking lot in Chișinău. The accused are from Criuleni, Călărași and Fălești districts. They are aged between 26 and 39 and some of them have previous convictions.

Immediately after the detention of the group, SIS and Customs Service officers together with PCCOCS (Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases) prosecutors conducted inspections at several premises from the country, carrying out 14 searches. As a result, they seized massive amounts of consumer goods, worth over 1 million lei, and four means of transport, used for the illegal transportation of goods.

Investigations into this case continue in order to establish the entire criminal area and to identify all the individuals involved. If the guilt of the arrested individuals is proven in court, they risk a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for smuggling committed by two or more people.

...