On July 31, intelligence officers of the Antiterrorist Centre jointly with the Bălți Territorial Department found a container with four metal tubes, containing about 20 kilograms of mercury from Ukraine, camouflaged and half-buried in a strip of forest close to a farmland near the village of Fundurii Noi, Glodeni district.

After the detection of toxic substances, SIS employees requested the intervention of the rescue team from the Department for Radiation, Chemical, Medical and Biological Protection of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to take over, examine and decontaminate the storage area.

SIS officers are carrying out operational investigative measures to establish the identity of the individuals who held the mercury capsules, as well as any final beneficiaries of the seized substances.

If the individuals involved in toxic substances storage and transportation are found guilty, they risk a fine amounting from 550 to 950 conventional units or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

Mercury is included in the top ten chemicals of major public health concern, according to the World Health Organization, with a recommendation to avoid direct contact and prolonged exposure.

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The Security and Intelligence Service jointly with the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) conducted searches within a criminal case for smuggling, on 20 July 2020, in a warehouse situated in a town from the Republic of Moldova, in close proximity to the border with Romania.

570 boxes were found in the warehouse, containing 285 thousand packs of cigarettes, and another 585 boxes with 292 500 packs of cigarettes were found in three minibuses, with Romanian license plates. Therefore, a total of 1155 boxes were found, containing 577 500 packs of Ashima cigarettes without excise stamps. The price of the cigarettes on the black market would be estimated around EUR 500 thousand.

The batch found in the minibuses adapted for concealing items but also the evidence gathered in the case indicate the process of preparation a criminal offence of smuggling cigarettes without excise stamps to the countries of the European Union. All the tobacco goods, transport and financial means have been seized and are currently in the custody of law enforcement agencies for undergoing legal procedures to determine the source, quality and detailed assessment.

Given the fact that four citizens of the Republic of Moldova were found in the warehouse, they were searched, and as a result, officers seized a sum of approximately EUR 11 000, both in euro and Romanian lei.

On the same day, the concerned individuals were detained for 72 hours. The criminal proceedings on this case is ongoing. Prosecutors intend to request in court the application of the pre-trial detention of the four individuals.

According to the criminal law, the offence of particularly large-scale smuggling is punished with imprisonment from 3 to 10 years, while a legal entity is punished with a fine amounting from 300 000 to 500 000 lei, and deprivation of the right to exercise a certain activity or termination of the legal entity.

Video from the searched location:

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Security and Intelligence Service successfully completed the repatriation operation of a Moldovan citizen with her family from the Syrian conflict zone.

The Moldovan woman and her four children, detained since 2019 in the “Al Hawl” camp due to military clashes in Syria, were welcomed at Chişinău International Airport by Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova, Esra ŞEN, Chargée d’Affaires ad-interim of the Turkish Embassy in Chisinau, and Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the Security and Intelligence Service.

The repatriated person lived and worked in Chisinau with her Syrian husband until 2013, when they decided to move permanently to province of Aleppo (Syria). Following the military actions in Syria, at the end of 2017, her husband was killed. Therefore, in January 2019, the Moldovan national together with her four children ended up in the “Al Hawl” camp.

The successful repatriation operation was possible due to the joint actions of intelligence services of the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Turkey.

We reiterate that, due to the coordinated efforts and the exchange of information with external partners, the institution carries out repatriation operations for families, citizens of the Republic of Moldova, that ended up in difficult circumstances because of the high risk of terrorism.

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Antiterrorist Centre of the Security and Intelligence Service issued a newsletter regarding its activity in the first 6 months of this year, reporting some of the unit’s achievements during that period.

Thus, on the analytical branch, the Center carried out 3 studies on the following topics:

✓ “Evolution of terrorist attacks in 2019”;

✓ “Prospect of using extremist literature from some branches of Islam on the national territory”;

✓ “Perspective of the United Nations and other international bodies on preventing and combating extremist-violent or terrorist acts.”

At the same time, in the context of verifying the security level within national critical infrastructure, 3 anti-terrorism tests have been conducted in “Water Supply” and “Transport” sectors. The tests revealed deficiencies in submitting prescriptions to institutions competent in the concerned fields.

During the reference period, 3 citizens were identified as having possible links with the international terrorist organization “DAESH”. Criminal proceedings have been instigated against them, which currently are at different stages of progress.

In the same line, Antiterrorist Centre of the SIS investigated the activity of two transnational criminal groups. One of them was involved in organization of illegal crossing of Moldovan-Ukrainian border, the other one – in marketing firearms and ammunition, as well as in several robbery attacks. Law enforcement bodies initiated criminal proceedings against them.

Assessing the intelligence held by the institution, officers of the Antiterrorist Centre identified a Russian citizen who was included in the INTERPOL database as suspect for trafficking psychotropic substances, that affects the life and health of citizens and national security. The extradition procedure was initiated.

Between 21 to 22 May 2020, the Antiterrorist Centre organized operational and tactical exercise “EST – 2020”. It was focused on interaction of the SIS units for preventing and countering terrorist and diversionary activity. During the exercise, experts assessed the security level within critical infrastructure objects in “Energy” and “Water Supply” sectors. Also, they provided guidelines for eliminating causes and circumstances that led to shortcomings.

You can access the full Newsletter here.

On our Facebook page you can find the infographic on the subject.

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National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” launched the initiative of creating a platform for communication, discussions and debates between civil society, academics and the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova on topics related to security and national interests. The aim of the initiative is to enhance transparency, perception of the need and essence of the taken actions, as well as to develop the security culture in the society.

Within the framework of the platform, on 20 May 2020, the online Round Table “Fighting Fake News in the Face of Security Challenges – COVID-19” took place. Below we present the proceedings of this event.

The paper contains the reports of 15 national and international experts, as well as the conclusions and recommendations of the participants in debates from six countries (Moldova, Romania, the Netherlands, Poland, Georgia, Armenia) including members of the academic and scientific community from the Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences and the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences of the Moldova State University, Institute of Legal, Political and Sociological Research, University of Political and Economic Studies “C.Stere”, “Ștefan cel Mare” Police Academy, “Lucian Blaga” University from Sibiu, Romania, Caucasus International University from Georgia.

The main topics included in the publication concern:

✓ impact of COVID -19 on state security;

✓ danger of fake news to information security;

✓ criteria for identifying misinformation and myths about the pandemic;

✓ institutional and functional grounds of the Security and Intelligence Service for fighting fake news;

✓ reconceptualization of security risks to public health;

✓ hate speech and incitement to discrimination in the public space and media in the Republic of Moldova in crisis situations;

✓ fake news impact on educational stakeholders in the context of COVID-19;

✓ experience in the field of the countries represented at the Round Table.

You can access the videos of the Round Table here: ENG

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication belong exclusively to the authors, the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova does not take responsibility for their content.

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During the first semester of 2020, the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova received 215 petitions. Of the total number, 135 petitions were addressed by individuals, 60 by legal entities, 9 collective petitions, and 11 anonymous. We also note that 7 requests concern access to information, while 33 are public interest requests.

The most common issues raised by petitioners include: alleged irregularities within the central public authorities, especially in the National Army, penitentiary institutions, as well as the illegal actions of employees of the justice system (prosecutors, judges, bailiffs).

In the first 6 months of this year, the leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service had an audience with 6 people.

On our Facebook page you can find an infographic on this topic.

13.07.2020

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Today, on July 10, the graduation ceremony of a new class of intelligence officers took place at the National Institute of Intelligence and Security "Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova". The event was attended by the leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service and teaching staff of the institute.

The SIS Director, Alexandr ESAULENCO, evoked in his speech that the current class graduates in complex circumstances, in which the whole humanity faces a fundamental challenge, able to redefine the structure and objectives of the security community. In this regard, he mentioned that young officers must demonstrate intellectual flexibility and a constant tendency to adapt. "I congratulate you once again for the choice you made and for the successful completion of the first step on a difficult path, with exponentially growing challenges, sometimes sacrifices but also with satisfaction and pride of serving your country", emphasized the Director of the Security and Intelligence Service.

Vitalie SÎLI, rector of the NIIS, also added words of congratulation and urged officers to prove utmost vigilance, abnegation and to be aware that the values they are going to protect are distinguished by major importance for society, state and every citizen.

Special appreciation went to the teaching staff for their noble work, responsibility and fidelity to the profession, for the daily effort they make for the good of the institution and of the entire security system.

10.07.2020

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In the context of the public statements concerning the involvement of the Security and Intelligence Service in the alleged detention, interview, or transportation of Mr. Ștefan GAȚCAN, member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the institution vehemently denies and firmly rejects the insinuations and interpretations related to its activity. Therefore, we condemn any attempts to denigrate and to involve the Security and Intelligence Service in disputes with political background – conditions that affect the image and credibility of the institution.

The Service performs its duties in accordance with the legislation in force, with respect for human rights and for guarantees of the MP mandate in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

At the same time, SIS monitors the information about possible attempts to corrupt senior officials and cooperates with law enforcement bodies in order to elucidate the veracity of the information. Moreover, the institution provides support, according to its competences, for legal assessment of the claimed facts.

SIS reaffirms its determination to maintain neutrality and equidistant approach in its daily activities, focusing on the fulfillment of its missions, which concern exclusively national security, in strict compliance with the law.

In the same line, the Security and Intelligence Service urges the 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, giving the right of reply.

02.07.2020

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Following numerous media inquiries into the epidemiological situation within the Security and Intelligence Service, we would like to inform you that there are currently 8 active cases of mild form of COVID-19 infection, treated at home.

We also mention that the Security and Intelligence Service does not have competence in preparing and securing the movement of the dignitaries of the Republic of Moldova. This responsibility falls within the purview of another central public authority.

In addition, we would like to inform you that the other intelligence officers infected during the pandemic have fully recovered.

The Security and Intelligence Service works in normal mode, in accordance with the recommendations of public health authorities.

SIS continues its work to ensure the state security and urges you to comply with the measures to prevent and combat the COVID-19 pandemic!

25.06.2020

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In the context of the information released today by Chiril MOȚPAN, member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Security and Intelligence Service communicates the following.

The institution will examine in the light of its functional attributions the possible disclosure of classified information on social networks and will report its conclusions to law enforcement bodies for legal assessment of the claimed facts.

We also mention that the dismissal of intelligence officers from the SIS takes place in strict accordance with the Law no. 170 of 19-07-2007 on the status of the security and intelligence officer. The disputes on this subject are resolved by the legal procedures in force.

The possible involvement of the SIS in the release of Moldovan pilots, taken hostage by the Taliban members in Afghanistan, constitutes classified information. Therefore, SIS will not comment on those statements. This subject is investigated by national law enforcement bodies.

In the same line, the Security and Intelligence Service urges the representatives of all central and local public authorities to cooperate closely in order to ensure the protection of classified information.

24.06.2020

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In the context of the information disseminated on the Internet regarding the epidemiological situation within the staff of the Security and Intelligence Service, we mention that during the entire pandemic period, 15 SIS officers were infected with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Most of them had a mild form of the disease and did not require hospitalization, being placed in home isolation.

The existing situation does not affect the activity of the SIS and the working process is carried out in normal mode, in compliance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection and of the National Public Health Agency.

We reiterate our request to all citizens of the Republic of Moldova to contact the Center for Communication and Public Relations in order to get first-hand information about the activity of the Security and Intelligence Service.

SIS continues its work to ensure the state security and urges you to comply with the measures to prevent and combat the COVID-19 pandemic!

18.06.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) and General Inspectorate of the Border Police (GIBP) have concluded a new interinstitutional cooperation agreement. The document was signed by heads of the institutions - Alexandr ESAULENCO and Corneliu GROZA, today, on May 29th.

By this act, parties decided to make a concerted effort in strengthening and developing efficient interaction mechanisms, connected to current realities and existing risk factors. Likewise, signing of the agreement will contribute to the development of the capacities to identify and prevent materialization of the phenomena with potential to undermine the strategic segment of the state border security.

Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the SIS, reiterated the importance of partnerships in building a reliable and efficient system for adequate and early anticipation of security challenges. "I will continue to advocate pragmatic cooperation with state institutions because our missions are complementary and the exchange of information is the key to ensuring a favourable context for national and regional security," the SIS Director said.

29.05.2020

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"Fighting fake news in the face of security challenges – COVID-19" was the theme of an online event, organized by the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova”.

This unique platform for debates between academics, government officials and civil society on necessary measures for combating fake news in the context of the current pandemic situation, brought together dozens of national and international experts.

The participants discussed topics related to the danger of fake news, their identification criteria and measures that need to be taken to combat them. Likewise, the forum addressed the experience of Romania, France, the Netherlands, Georgia and Armenia in combating this phenomenon in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing the security risks for public health and educational process.

The dialogue highlighted the role and importance of special services in this broad process and strategic communication mechanisms between the security sector of the Republic of Moldova, academic environment and civil society, taking into account the specific activity of an intelligence service.

The experts expressed the need for a concerted effort of the society as a whole, especially of the government, academic environment and non-governmental organizations, in combating fake news. In this context, they emphasized the opportunity to identify possibilities for ensuring a common understanding and to develop recommendations for actors involved in the fight against misinformation.

Promo-LEX Association, Institute of Legal, Political and Sociological Research, Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences of the Moldova State University (MSU) and the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences of the MSU were the partners of this event.

20.05.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service joined the common efforts to support the country's healthcare system in the fight against the pandemic caused by COVID-19.

Intelligence officers voluntarily donated one day’s wage to support the actions for prevention and mitigation of the pandemic consequences. The amount of 486948.77 lei was transferred to a special bank account opened by the Ministry of Finance for the effort to combat COVID-19 in the Republic of Moldova. The gesture is a sign of gratitude and encouragement for doctors and all frontline responders, who determine the success of this battle.

The SIS leadership thanked the intelligence officers for their involvement in supporting national efforts to prevent COVID-19 and expressed the hope that generosity, empathy and solidarity shown by each of us in this difficult time will help us succeed in overcoming this complex crisis.

15.05.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service warns about the anonymous administrators of online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures.

In order to reduce the impact of fake news about COVID-19 evolution, if you identify such sources or fake accounts on social networks used to spread widely misinformation, we encourage you to inform the Security and Intelligence Service on the e-mail press@sis.md and to mention administrators of the accounts and their posts.

At the same time, SIS encourages you to take the following steps before making the decision to like or share the news:

- Do your research and assess the news by correlating it with official sources (state institutions, and relevant international organizations involved in management of the pandemic). At the same time, if the article/ post contains declarations or press releases of the officials or national/ international organizations or institutions, compare the content of the message in the article with the original one (check official websites or official accounts on the social networks).

- Avoid sharing news based only on the headlines without an assessment of the content. One of the methods used by anonymous sources spreading fake news is posting “sensational” clickbait headlines that manipulate readers’ curiosity. Thus, some anonymous sources spreading fake news determine readers to share their news via social networks. Usually, their goal is either to get more pageviews or to generate panic.

- Assess the source of information (pay attention to the author of the article, the web address of the source/ websites and blogs with suspicious names/ as well as other articles posted on that website).

- Pay attention to the content of the news (compliance with ethical rules in the article, proper grammar, authenticity of the photo, video, audio content).

- Pay attention to the release date of the news (manipulative news or ones that reflect the reality of the past, which is irrelevant in the present and can generate panic).

- If you identify articles spread via social networks, assess the source that disseminates them (some fake news are shared via fake accounts on social networks).

- If you find any news about "efficient" methods of self-treatment or efficiency of taking certain substances, vitamins, medicines to prevent or treat COVID-19, consult your family physician and official statements of the Ministry of Health and WHO.

We rely on your responsible attitude, therefore strengthening efforts in this regard is crucial.

We provide examples of fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures, which led to blocking of some anonymous resources that were widely spread in communication groups on social networks.

12.05.2020

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Director of the Security and Intelligence Service issued, on May 18, an order providing for blocking of online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures.

The order setting out mandatory indications was forwarded to the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology in order to take the necessary measures. Thus, the following portals will be shut down:  ziarulmoldovei.site and antenanews.xyz.

We reiterate that, in accordance with the Decision No.3 of 23 March 2020 of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, providers of publicly available electronic communications services, by the decision of National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, based on the list of sources that SIS published, have an obligation to block immediately online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

08.05.2020

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The Security and Intelligence Service requests to block the website moldvesti0.wordpress.com for spreading fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

The process of shutting down will be carried out by the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology under the SIS Director’s Order on blocking online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures, signed today, May 7.

The action takes place in accordance with the Decision No.3 of 23 March 2020 of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova. Therefore, providers of publicly available electronic communications services, by the decision of National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, based on the list of sources that SIS published, are obliged to block them immediately.

SIS monitors information spaces regarding fake news spreading and established that individuals behind these websites have become more active using COVID-19 evolution as the main topic.

07.05.2020

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The Director of the Security and Intelligence Service issued, on May 1, an order providing for the blocking of an online source that spreads fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and measures taken for protection and prevention of the pandemic.

The order setting out mandatory indications was forwarded to the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology in order to take the necessary measures. Thus, the portal moldoinfo.wordpress.com will be shut down.

We reiterate that, in accordance with Disposition No. 3 of 23 March 2020 of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, providers of publicly available electronic communications services, by  the decision of National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, based on the list of sources that SIS published, have an obligation to block immediately online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

01.05.2020

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The Security and Intelligence Service requests to block the website moldvesti0.wordpress.com, which was identified as an online source that spreads fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

To shut it down, the institution forwarded the SIS Director’s Order on blocking  online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures to National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology in order to take the necessary measures.

Note: According to the Decision No.3 of 23 March 2020 of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, providers of publicly available electronic communications services, by  the decision of National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, based on the list of sources that SIS published, have an obligation to block immediately online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

29.04.2020

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Today, April 29, Security and Intelligence Service and Public Services Agency concluded an interinstitutional cooperation agreement. The document was signed by the directors of the institutions - Alexandr ESAULENCO and Tatiana CUNEȚCHI.

This measure addresses the need for establishing cooperation relations in order to increase the efficiency of bilateral actions, correlated with objectives of mutual interest in performing information exchange, without interference in the activity.

The parties endorsed the importance of this action dictated by the context of maintaining a favorable security climate at the level of enforcement of the existing legislation on national implementation policy in the field of access to public services.

29.04.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service requests Multi-Media Agency “OMEGA” to deny the false information that Agency published on April 24 this year. The article “Андронаки и Ботнарь в сговоре с директором СИБа по делу о контрабанде” (Andronachi and Botnari in collusion with SIS Director in a case of smuggling) contains invented and unfounded statements, the author thus trying to discredit the institution and to harm the honor and professional reputation of the SIS Director.

We regret that the author decided to resort to unfounded rumors and accusations instead of requesting official information from the institution, in a fair, professional and extremely simple manner.

If the news portal "Omega.md" does not apologize publicly and does not come with retraction, the Security and Intelligence Service will reserve it’s right to use all legal instruments to defend the image of the institution.

25.04.2020

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The Director of the Security and Intelligence Service issued, on April 15, an order providing for the blocking of two online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures. The order setting out mandatory indications was forwarded to the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology in order to take the necessary measures.

Thus, the following portals will be shut down:  news-romania24h.xyz and caramida.news.blog.

Note: According to the Decision No.3 of 23 March 2020 of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, providers of publicly available electronic communications services, by  the decision of National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, based on the list of sources that SIS published, have an obligation to block immediately online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

16.04.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service jointly with Ciocana Police Inspectorate of the Police Directorate of Chişinău municipality have countered an attempt to illegally withdraw and transship a batch of pharmaceutical items.

Therefore, as result of intelligence held by SIS officers, on April 8 this year, a Honda CRV crossover with foreign registration plate was stopped. The driver was a 28 years-old citizen of the Republic of Moldova. In the trunk of the car officers found 10 thousand surgical masks, for which the driver did not possess any document. The masks were packed in 4 plastic bags, prepared to be illegally shipped over the Prut River, in Romania.

During special investigative measures, officers established that the batch of masks was purchased at a price of 3.5 Moldovan lei per piece and was intended to be sold wholesale for profit.

We remind that, according to the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Moldova no. 168 of 11.03.2020 "Regarding prohibition of export of certain products", export from the Republic of Moldova of the following products - medical masks, medical gloves, biocidal products (medical disinfectants) - is prohibited until April 15, 2020.

In this context, Security and Intelligence Service calls for compliance with the legislation in force and all the recommendations regarding the state of emergency.

09.04.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service identified another two online sources spreading fake news about the COVID-19 evolution: covid19-md.tk and news-front.info.

In this context, the institution submitted the SIS Director’s Order on blocking online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution and protection and prevention measures to National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology in order to take the necessary measures.

Note: According to the Decision No.3 of 23 March 2020 of the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, providers of publicly available electronic communications services, by the decision of National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, based on the list of sources that SIS published, have an obligation to block immediately online sources that spread fake news about the COVID-19 evolution.

24.03.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service comes with some details regarding the press release issued today.

Thus, the institution confirms that the great majority of "fake-news" websites was borrowed from the list published on www.stopfals.md, which represents the fruit of civil society’s labor.

SIS decided several executive measures for the providers of electronic communication networks and services and National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of Moldova regarding elimination of causes and conditions that contribute to threats to the national security. The actions are due to the actual situation, namely to the declaration of state of emergency by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

Moreover, many of the mentioned websites are currently inactive but the data shows that some web pages are exposed for online sale and can be purchased by anyone, while their content can be redirected to the newly created websites.

The institution mentions that this is the first step to ceasing the access, by providers of electronic communication networks and services, of the Internet users from the Republic of Moldova to fake news websites. The actions will continue, regardless of the language of the web pages content.

Activities of shutting down the websites generating fake news are carried out in cooperation with the providers of electronic communication networks and services and state institutions.

At the same time, SIS manifests its openness and relies on the help of society, especially of non-governmental organizations, in identifying "fake-news" sites, which alter the information content and spread it massively in the global Internet network, in order to generate panic, tensions or social conflicts. The institution requests that the information held to be sent to the Information and Security Service, at the email address press@sis.md.

20.03.2020

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         Considering the state of emergency declared by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova notes that national and international alarming situation regarding COVID-19 became a news topic, used to alter the publicly available informational content (by manipulation, misinformation, withholding or falsifying information). Certain anonymous websites spread massively such information in the Internet in order to generate panic, tensions or social conflicts.

SIS states that anonymous administrators of those “fake news” sites seek to undertake subversive activities in the information space, which would be able to affect the information security of the Republic of Moldova during the period of crisis. Their actions can incite: social hatred, mass disorders and security undermining of the Republic of Moldova – that fall under art. 1 let. a) of the Law No 54-XV of 21.02.2003 on Countering Extremist Activity.

In this connection, Security and Intelligence Service, according to its functional duties, established that commercial and non-commercial legal entities do not have information in their registers about such broadcasters, which could have a news agency status in order to benefit from legal guarantees according to art. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of the Press Law No 243-XIII of 26.10.1994.

Considering the above-mentioned, in order to eliminate the causes and conditions that contribute to threats to the national security, according to entry 13 let. f), entry 14-21 of the Information Security Concept of the Republic of Moldova, approved by Law No 299 of 21.12.2017, art. 9 let. c), art. 10, para. (1) let. h) of the Law No 753-XIV of 23.12.1999 on Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova; art. 3-5, art. 7-8 of the Law No 54-XV of 21.02.2003 on Countering Extremist Activity, the SIS leadership decided executive measures for eliminating causes and conditions that contribute to threats to the national security.

Therefore, the following are among binding instructions:

1. Providers of electronic communications networks and services will cease the access of the Internet users from the Republic of Moldova to fake news websites / according to the Annex/ during the state of emergency.

2. Providers of electronic communications networks and services (Internet access services) will be informed about this executive instruction and list of the websites that spread fake news, according to the Annex.

3. National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI) will inform all providers of electronic communications networks and services, public authorities with responsibilities in this field about the list of fake news websites, according to the annex, and will monitor the execution of this instruction.

4. Providers of electronic communications networks and services, public authorities with responsibilities in the field of electronic communications will be warned that non-execution of the instructions will lead to the application of sanctions according to art. 336 and art. 349 of the Contravention Code.

The electronic version of the document and the list of fake news sites can be found on the official website of the Service: www.sis.md.

20.03.2020

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      In the context of statements made in the public space on involvement of the Security and Intelligence Service in the alleged special investigation measures regarding the ex-prime minister Maia Sandu, the institution reiterates its position and firmly rejects the insinuations and interpretations on illegal activities.

In its activity, SIS acts in strict accordance with the legal provisions, with due respect for the rights and freedoms of the person. In this regard, we condemn any attempts to denigrate the institution and disapprove the manifestations of involving it in disputes with political background - which affects the image and credibility of the institution as a guarantor of national security.

SIS reaffirms its determination to maintain neutrality and equidistant approach in daily activities, being focused on the accomplishment of its missions, which concern exclusively national security, in strict compliance with the law.

11.03.2020

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Officers of the SIS Antiterrorist Center organized training for the staff of Special Task Force “Pantera” of the National Agency of Penitentiaries of the Ministry of Justice. Prevention of radicalization and radical ideology spreading processes among prisoners, as well as aspects of the terrorist phenomenon evolution were topics of the training.

During the training session they discussed national mechanisms for interaction between law enforcement bodies in situations of terrorist crisis, tasks and duties of the operational departments during the antiterrorist operations, as well as actions of the authorities depending on the level of terrorist alert.

Also, theoretical and practical sessions contributed to the improvement of the competences of the employees of penitentiary administration system, familiarization of the staff with new tendencies in the evolution of the terrorist phenomenon, experience of other states in preventing the processes of radicalization and / or radical ideologies spreading among the prisoners, as well as to the exchange of information relevant to the professional activity of the involved parties.

The training sessions are part of the project of the SIS Antiterrorist Centelui Antiterorisr planned for 2020, which provides for the development and improvement of the national capacities to fight against extremist-terrorist manifestations. Also, organization of such events allows establishment of direct contacts in order to develop future inter-institutional cooperation.

03.03.2020

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        The leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service, together with other officials, took part at commemorative activities dedicated to the heroes fallen in combat operations for defending the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova. At the beginning of the event, officials laid flowers at the “Stephen the Great” monument. It continued with a memorial march to the "Eternity" complex in Chişinău.

Remembrance Day activities continued at the SIS headquarters, at the monument dedicated to the heroes of state security bodies, fallen in the armed conflict on the Dniester river. Combatants and veterans of state security bodies, representatives of the Parliament and Government of the Republic of Moldova, guests from the central public administration, former leaders of state security bodies and intelligence officers attended the commemoration.

In his message, Alexandr ESAULENCO, the SIS Director, expressed gratitude to the combatants for their professionalism and ability to cope with the most difficult tasks during combat operations. He reiterated that the heroic deeds will remain on the pages of history and will serve as example to the younger generations of intelligence officers, who will continue to strengthen their forces to deliver security and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizen, society and the state. against risks and threats to national security.

Speeches delivered at the ceremony expressed feelings of appreciation and honor for the past, as well as recalled the sacrifices of the officers and combatants.

During the ceremony, Guard of Honor of the Security and Intelligence Service fired three volleys and rendered the military hand-salute. Then, participants held a moment of silence and laid flowers at the monument dedicated to the heroes of state security bodies, fallen in the armed conflict on the Nistru river. The event ended with a memorial dinner.

The meeting with former intelligence officers, who took part in the war of 1992, was also one of the commemorative activities. It was organized by the teaching staff of the National Institute of Intelligence and Security "Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova". Veterans Valeriu Furdui, Ion Lisnic, Vasile Scaleţchi and Vladimir Foșnea told about their battlefield and life deeds and reminded young officers about the moral obligation to keep alive the memory and honor of those who sacrificed their lives for national values and about the duty to learn from the lessons of history.

02.03.2020

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       Security and Intelligence Service and “Air Moldova” airline continue to develop and strengthen the partnership in the field of terrorism preventing and combating.

In this regard, officers of the SIS Antiterrorist Center and “ALFA” Special Task Force of the SIS carried out several training activities with the aircrew of the company.

The training covered such topics as reaction procedures in various crisis situations in the air transport system, as well as evaluation of the in-flight security measures. Purpose of the actions was to improve the knowledge and to master the individual and collective skills of the aircrew, in order to increase the operational capacities of the employees in fulfilling their professional tasks.

Developing the dialogue with society, organizing and ensuring the training process for antiterrorist security in the public and private sector is one of the priorities of the Security and Intelligence Service in the field of prevention of terrorism and other violent forms of extremism.

25.02.2020

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