Security and Intelligence Service is the institution that coordinates the implementation process of the Information Security Strategy of the Republic of Moldova for 2019-2024 and of the Action Plan for its implementation, approved by Parliament Decision no. 257 of 22.11.2018. Thus, on 21 February 2020, SIS jointly with the representatives of public authorities, ICT companies and civil society, organized the enlarged meeting for the finalization of the draft of Government Decision “On establishment of the Coordinating Council for ensuring information security”. The meeting took place in the TEKWILL ICT Center of Excellence, in the municipality of Chişinău.

During the meeting, the proposals of members of the Working Group on the adjusted draft of the Statute of the Coordinating Council for ensuring information security were put into debate. As a result of the generalization and integration processes of the submitted proposals, the approval of the draft Government Decision will follow according to the established manner.

21.02.2020

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On February 14, in the context of commemoration of the citizens fallen in the Afghanistan war during 1979-1989, the National Institute of Intelligence and Security "Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova" (NIIS) hosted the traditional meeting of the NIIS students with SIS veterans, combatants of the  Special Task Force “Zenit-Kaskad”.

The event dedicated to the 31st anniversary of the withdrawal from Afghanistan of the limited contingent of armed troops began with a moment of silence in memory of the heroes, fallen in military operations on foreign land.

The guests were greeted by Vitalie SÎLI, rector of INIS, who reiterated the significance of the commemorated event and our duty to learn the lessons of history in order to use the experience of the ancestors in the education process of the young intelligence officers. He mentioned that  meetings of generations are an opportunity to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of any war and to understand the true price of the peace. "These commemorative activities are important because of the mere fact that they bring back the value of the true characters and ideals of patriotism and dignity, but also make us remember this immense sacrifice," said Mr. SÎLI.

The NIIS rector thanked veterans on behalf of the entire staff of the Security and Intelligence Service and expressed appreciation for the allegiance they have shown on the battlefield but also for their work in the SIS and promotion of the true values.

The guests of the event, Petru SPLAVNIC and Ion LISNIC, retired colonels, holders of the following state distinctions: “Stephen the Great” Order, “Military Merit” medal, “Allegiance to Motherland” medal and “Red Star” medal (the last one was awarded during the war),  told young people about the solidarity born during the war, about the heroism and sacrifice of their comrades in arms, and the difficulties they have encountered in the mountains of Afghanistan. Veterans came with an exhortation to the audience, encouraging them to show responsibility and professionalism in order to ensure national security, to serve the Republic of Moldova with devotion, fulfilling their duty according to the Oath of Allegiance to Motherland.

Saturday, February 15, the leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service, along with officials,  military command officers, war veterans and members of their families will lay flowers at the memorial complex “Feciorilor Patriei-Sfântă Amintire”, paying a tribute of gratitude to the heroism of all those who took part in combat operations in Afghanistan.

14.02.2020

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Wednesday, February 12 this year, the enlarged meeting of the Board of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova took place. During the meeting, the results of the activity of the institution in 2019 were discussed and the priority objectives for 2020 were set.

The meeting was chaired by Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the SIS. It was also attended by Igor DODON - President of the Republic of Moldova, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Alexandru JIZDAN - President of the Parliamentary Commission for national security, defense and public order, Nicolae POSTURUSU - Secretary General of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Moldova, as well as Andrei ONOFREI - Chief of Service of the Supreme Security Council of the Republic of Moldova.

The speech of the SIS Director, Alexandr ESAULENCO, began with the listing of the main internal and external risk factors for the national security, which were outlined during the evaluated period but also he listed the SIS actions oriented towards their annihilation, both in terms of intelligence and counterintelligence .

In addition, a statistical retrospective of the institution’s results, registered in 2019, was presented, which served as the basis for initiation of a series of measures by authorities competent in prevention and counteraction of negative manifestations with potential to undermine sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

In particular, the SIS director focused on the operational aspects carried out by the SIS during the reference period, namely - the intelligence regarding position of the main geostrategic actors in relation to the regional context, as well as intelligence concerning the Republic of Moldova.

Also, the counterintelligence activity was evaluated, which constituted the central pillar of the investigations carried out in 2019. It was focused on elucidation of the existing social, economic, political, military, cyber, infrastructure and human vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by the opponents.

At the same time, regional threats were noted, which, considering the position of the Republic of Moldova, have direct consequences. In this context, cross-border dangers, information wars, extremist-terrorist scourge and hybrid manifestations were highlighted.

In conclusion, the Director Alexandr ESAULENCO mentioned the proactive involvement of the SIS, both in terms of prevention and counteraction, namely, the prompt information of the decision-makers, the continuous exchange of information with external partners, conduct of special investigation measures jointly with law enforcement bodies, as well as promotion of security culture in the society, through multiple activities started under the aegis of the SIS.

Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova, stated that 2019 was a very difficult year and full of challenges. He mentioned the active involvement of the SIS in risk prevention, in the fight against subversive threats and aspirations, generated by internal and external extremist forces. He also reiterated the need to use all the legal levers to counteract the actions that limit the efficiency and functionality of the state bodies. In this context, the Head of State also pointed out some priorities for this year, which lead to ensuring the stability and continuity of reforms in the society, focusing on new risks and threats to the Republic of Moldova. "I encourage you to remain equidistant, far from political battles, to demonstrate professionalism, to promote democratic values ​​and to act only in the interests of ensuring national security and citizens of the Republic of Moldova," concluded the President of the Republic of Moldova.

At the end of the meeting, the Director of the Security and Intelligence Service listed the institutional priorities set for 2020, which stem from the assessment of the regional situation but also from the possible unpredictability that could influence the internal processes, as well as further implementation of competence measures aimed to guarantee a national security climate.

As a priority, the actions will be oriented towards the annihilation of the intelligence and subversive manifestations, in order to not admit the interferences that may influence the processes of the sectors of national importance, to elucidate risk factors with the destabilizing potential that are included in the tactics of the “hybrid war”, to manage security risks revealed in the current year and external threats with consequences for the national security climate.

12.02.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova has launched a new national platform for dialogue between society and state authorities, competent in the field of security.

The collaboration proposed by the Security and Intelligence Service will broaden the knowledge of the citizens, especially of the younger generation, about the security field, security environment, and national security needs.

The project is designed to foster cooperation relationships, with informative, educational and collaborative impact, between the National Institute of Intelligence and Security "Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova", higher education institutions and civil society representatives. The dialogue will focus on important aspects of national security, based on the new risks and threats. This approach aims to to transform the citizen from a passive subject, a security consumer, into an active one, which would contribute to ensuring national security.

Within the platform for dialogue, the National Institute of Intelligence and Security will organize classes on the topic "Role of the special service in ensuring human, societal and state security at the current stage", where intelligence officers, but also representatives of civil society, experts in national security, will participate as speakers.

Another objective of the project is to involve young people as actively as possible, to develop the civic spirit, to promote security culture and their important role in ensuring national security.

The first beneficiaries of the project were students of the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), who, on February 6, visited the National Institute of Information and Security "Bogdan, Founder of Moldova", the only higher education institution in the country, which trains intelligence officers.

The students had the opportunity to get informed about the educational offer of the Institute and to become familiarized with the rigours and values of a special service. They interacted with the teaching staff, visited the places where future intelligence officers are trained and learned new things about the often hidden meanings and stereotypes of this profession.

07.02.2020

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The officers of the SIS Antiterrorist Center of the Republic of Moldova jointly with representatives of the National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activity (ANRANR) found a new batch of expired radioactive sources, illegally possessed, as well as enormous quantities of toxic chemical waste.

During 2019, intelligence officers in cooperation with representatives of entities with responsibilities in this field carried out several activities to detect nuclear and radioactive materials. They identified massive amounts of radioactive sources – over 300 sources, which were also found in the area of Chișinău municipality.

Thus, SIS in cooperation with ANRANR identified approximately 80 expired radioactive sources, with two radiological charges for each item (Plutonium type radionuclide, isotope-239), possessed with no authorisation. The radioactive sources, some of which were found in construction waste, significantly exceeded natural background radiation, exposing the population to danger.

Moreover, radiological sources were found both at natural/ legal persons possessing aircrafts (over 30 sources), as well as in household articles and industrial equipment/ devices - over 250 sources, possessed with no authorisation or lost by some economic agents.

In this context, in order to eliminate all the circumstances that could cause possible exceptional situations involving radioactive, explosive or toxic substances, and to anticipate potential illegal acts, including terrorism, the Security and Intelligence Service will continue to identify, seize and transfer non-functional devices to SE “Special Items” for storage/ special preservation, in order to  avoid negative consequences for national security, environment and state.

At the same time, SIS requires people, as well as business environment, to inform the Security and Intelligence Service about issues that could create possible dangers and harm national security, in order to promptly anticipate, prevent and counteract them.

06.02.2020

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During 2019, Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova received  505 petitions, 46 of which were submitted online. Out of the total number, 396 petitions were addressed by individuals, 71 - by legal entities, 9 - collective and 29 - anonymous petitions.

The most common issues raised by petitioners include: rehabilitation of victims of political repressions and providing information regarding reasons for accessing personal data and carrying out the special investigation measure – wiretapping.

The other two other topics raised in the requests concern alleged irregularities within the National Army, penitentiary institutions from the Republic of Moldova, as well as the illegal actions of employees of the justice system (prosecutors, judges, bailiffs).

With regard to the rehabilitation of victims of political repression, the petitioners requested to be given the possibility to get access to personal files of their relatives who were subjected to political repressions, to receive copies of documents from those files and copies of property seizure acts. Noteworthy, from year to year, statistical data show a decrease in the number of petitions on this subject.

During 2019, the management of the Security and Intelligence Service received 19 people in audience.

24.01.2020

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Officers of the SIS Antiterrorist Center in cooperation with Border Police detained a citizen of Tajikistan, who is wanted for being a member of the international extremist-terrorist organization DAESH, while intending to cross the state border on the basis of a fake passport. Currently, the person is in the Holding Center of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs until his extradition will be decided.

Thus, when leaving the country, through the border crossing point of Chișinău International Airport, a 28-year-old man showed up, who identified himself with a passport, issued by the Ukrainian authorities. During the border control, the person exhibited a visibly agitated behavior, which caused an additional document check. As a result the passport turned out to be forged. Noteworthy, the man entered the territory of the Republic of Moldova illegally from Ukraine, by land.

The foreign citizen has been under the scrutiny of the Security and Intelligence Service for more than a year, and following the cooperation and prompt exchange of information with the MIA subdivisions and Head Office of the Prosecutor’s Office of Chişinău, the young man's identity was confirmed, as being a citizen of Tajikistan and member of the international extremist-terrorist organization DAESH, which operates in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Moreover, officers established that the man is wanted by the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Tajikistan for his involvement in illicit actions provided by art. 401 para. 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan (illicit involvement and participation of citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan and stateless persons in armed units, armed conflicts or military actions on the territory of other states) and art. 179 para. 1 point 2 (engaging in terrorist offenses either by committing them or by providing support).

All the intelligence concerning the illegal activity of the foreign citizen was made available to the law enforcement authorities of Tajikistan, in order to initiate the extradition procedure and take the necessary legal measures regarding him.

Two criminal cases were initiated under the art. 361 para. 2, art. 362 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova for the illicit actions of the foreign citizen.

20.01.2020

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Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova is a body responsible for the development and promotion of national policy and for the control in all types of electronic signature application, in accordance with Law no. 91 of 29.05.2014 on electronic signature and electronic document. Therefore, the institution informs that it has carried out the accreditation of the certification service provider within the "Information Technology and Cyber Security Service”, in the field of application of the qualified advanced electronic signature. As a result, it successfully completed the certification of the public key.

Note that the certification of the public key of the provider was performed using a modern technical and software complex, which allowed the use of more secure cryptographic algorithms, and as a result, lower level providers will be able to issue electronic signatures to the public with an extended term of validity.

At the same time, SIS specifies that the electronic signatures with the extended validity term fall within the normative framework in force and will be available for the beneficiaries in the terms and conditions established by the certification service provider within the "Information Technology and Cyber Security Service".

The Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova will continue to take the necessary actions to promote and facilitate electronic certification services, to implement more secure cryptographic algorithms, but also to expand the list of reliable electronic services.

17.01.2020

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A new class of intelligence officers took the Oath of Allegiance to Motherland. The event took place today, 12 September, in front of the SIS leaders, professors of the National Institute of Intelligence and Security "Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova", and family members of the young officers.

Alexandr ESAULENCO, the SIS Director, congratulated students and welcomed them to the profession. He expressed his confidence that young officers will prove they are as upright and devoted as they committed in their Oath. In addition, he wished them to be able to choose values that would guide them through their work and would help in accomplishing any mission, regardless of its complexity and difficulties.

“No effort is too great to improve your professional training. I am sure you will be a dynamic and well-trained class, willing to take responsibility. However that will become reality only through continuous learning, desire to go beyond yourselves and adaptation. National security is an evolving area that requires prompt reaction to threats and real risks”, mentioned the SIS Director.

At the event, Alexandr ESAULENCO congratulated professors with a new academic year and asked them to focus on reviewing and adapting certain aspects of the institutional policy to ensure quality education and training of the human resources, in accordance with the major changes in the concept of national security. “Only with your help and involvement, these young officers, who come from different areas of activity or have just graduated universities, will be able to become real professionals – officers with a point of view, skills of anticipation and great moral strength”, declared Mr. ESAULENCO.

Students’ relatives also congratulated, encouraged and wished them success in their studies, great achievements and an ever-ascending career.

12.09.2019

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Security and Intelligence Service marks today, 9 September, the Day of State Security Workers and the 28th anniversary from the creation of the Moldovan special service. Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, Maia SANDU, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, leaders of institutions that report to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Cabinet members, former leaders of the SIS, and other guests of honor attended the event.

Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova, congratulated intelligence officers and stated the following: “Over 28 years, Security and Intelligence Service demonstrated that it is a basic pillar in the national security system and it has always proved its importance in safeguarding democratic values. National security protection is a continuous and complex process that requires accordance with the time imperative.” In this context, Mr. DODON assured SIS employees of full and unconditional support from the presidential institution.

Prime Minister Maia SANDU asserted that Security and Intelligence Service must become an independent institution that has a sole purpose of protecting the society and state against risks and threats to national security, promoting democratic values and national interests of the Republic of Moldova. “In a few years, I wish you are proud of being part of the Service and people are talking with admiration and respect about you. With joint efforts, patience and sacrifice, we can achieve that. I am sure we can count on your professionalism, integrity and devotion”, said Ms. Prime Minister.

In his speech, Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the Security and Intelligence Service, made a retrospective of the events, which marked and contributed to the evolution of the intelligence service, becoming today an institution that is able to manage a variety of security risks.

Mr. ESAULENCO talked about increasing cooperation relationships and information exchange both with national partners and foreign intelligence services. Also, the SIS Director mentioned openness to a pragmatic dialogue and peer support in accomplishing the fundamental mission of ensuring national security and informing state decision-makers about strategic interests of the Republic of Moldova.

Moreover, the SIS Director pointed out certain institutional changes in progress, which aim to improve and guarantee an appropriate functional framework, so the SIS has the capability to honour its commitments to the state, citizen, and society. “Social and economic security risks, extremist tendencies, terrorism and many other threats forces us to ensure a high level of adaptability and prompt reaction. Our profession requires us to be flexible to changes in the security environment, to develop continuously our skills, and to develop new approaches and attitudes in all fields of activity. I will make every endeavor to make this institution a strong one in every aspect, both intellectually and in terms of the operational capacity”, declared Mr. Alexandr ESAULENCO.

In his speech, the SIS Director thanked intelligence officers and former SIS employees for their professionalism, dedication, institutional values and tradition keeping, as well as protecting national interests. At the same time, Mr. ESAULENCO expressed gratitude to veterans, reservists and combatants for their sacrifice, patriotism, and capacity to face the most difficult tasks so the Republic of Moldova can live its present and can build independently its future.

During the festivity, several officers have been awarded state and departmental decorations, in appreciation for their remarkable achievements.

This morning, Alexandr ESAULENCO and members of the SIS Board paid tribute to state security heroes and laid flowers at the monument from the institution’s square, dedicated to them.

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The new leadership of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova, the Director Alexandr ESAULENCO and Deputy Director Artur GUMENIUC, was introduced to the staff of intelligence officers. Igor DODON, President of the Republic of Moldova, Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, and Chiril MOȚPAN, head of the Parliament’s Commission for National Security, Defence and Public Order took part in the event.

In his speech, Igor DODON congratulated the leadership of the institution and wished them success and great achievements in their mandate to maintain national security. He reiterated that law enforcement bodies, including Security and Intelligence Service, must be independent of political influence and must function merely on the basis of national interests of the Republic of Moldova, while the leaders of the Service must be appointed depending on the level of their professionalism and patriotism.

Moreover, Igor DODON mentioned that both Western and Eastern partners of the Republic of Moldova have their own national interests, which sometimes coincide with ours but sometimes don’t. In this regard, the President emphasized that first of all we should proceed from our national interests and therefore we will be understood and respected both in the West and in the East.

Chiril MOȚPAN, head of the Parliament’s Commission for National Security, Defence and Public Order urged intelligence officers to perform their duty with the greatest responsibility and fairness, in accordance with their Oath commitments. Also, he mentioned that the institution needs a new image; citizens should not be afraid of the Security and Intelligence Service, instead they should be sure that it can provide them with safety.

Alexandr ESAULENCO, the SIS Director, pointed out that he will take all actions necessary to make the Security and Intelligence Service a flexible and viable institution, which will defend fundamental values of citizens, society, and country. He listed a series of priorities that will be implemented to provide a functional framework that will be appropriate to major changes in the concepts of national security. In this regard, developing and strengthening institutional abilities, as well as focusing on impact sectors of the state security of the Republic of Moldova are the top priorities. Moreover, he highlighted that SIS will strengthen relations with the civil society to promote security culture and to render its activity transparent, according to legal responsibilities and legitimate interest of the Moldovan citizens.

The SIS Director asked intelligence officers to keep proving professionalism, responsibility, high ethical standards, honesty and correctness.

26.06.2019

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