Moldovan Intelligence Probes Capture of Officers by Russia During Secret Mission

The Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) of Moldova is undertaking a thorough internal review after a clandestine operation in Russia resulted in the capture of two of its officers. Director Alexandru Musteață has stated that the investigation is nearly complete, with the final details pending the debriefing of the recovered agents.

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Ofițerii noștri au mers acolo într-o misiune secretă, detaliile căreia nu vi le pot da şi comenta deloc. Din păcate, misiunea a eșuat, iar ei au fost capturați.

Musteață emphasized the dedication and professionalism of the two young officers, confirming they were on a secret mission in Russia when apprehended in April 2025. The SIS chief detailed the complex negotiations with Russia's FSB, which began after the Russian services released footage and statements from the captured Moldovan agents. The primary demand from Moldova was the unconditional release of its officers, asserting they had committed no wrongdoing on Russian territory.

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Cerinţa noastră era foarte simplă: eliberaţi-i necondiţionat, pentru că ei nu au făcut nimic rău pe teritoriul Federaţiei Ruse. Respectiv, am intrat într-un ciclu lung de discuţii, cu multe detalii.

This incident, which led to a significant prisoner exchange involving Moldova, Russia, and Belarus on the Polish-Belarusian border, has prompted a deep dive into the mission's failure. While the investigation is expected to clarify all circumstances, including the possibility of internal betrayal, Musteață affirmed that the two officers remain in service and are considered exemplary. The SIS's commitment to its personnel, even in the face of such high-stakes operations, is highlighted as a core principle.

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Din start am pornit o anchetă internă. 99% din toată evaluarea a fost finalizată. Tot ce a rămas sunt declaraţiile lor (nr. ofiţerilor). Acum că sunt acasă, sunt în siguranţă, colegii mei vor discuta cu ei, să vedem tot tabloul, de ce această misiune a eşuat. Şi vom lua o decizie.