Promo-Lex experts monitoring Moldova’s electoral campaign have uncovered a coordinated network of fake TikTok accounts spreading manipulative narratives ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The network relied on two hashtags — #alegmoldova and #moldova — and used about 25 core pages supported by nearly 500 auxiliary accounts. Within just 72 hours, these accounts generated roughly 1.3 million views and climbed into TikTok’s trending lists.
Observers noted that the accounts operated in a highly coordinated manner. They posted identical videos, graphics, and messages to create the illusion of broad public support, with some even displaying national symbols as profile images.
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“These accounts operate with military discipline,” Promo-Lex analysts stated. “They post obsessively under only two hashtags — #alegmoldova and #moldova — even though TikTok allows five. The goal is to manipulate the algorithm and force posts into trending. For ordinary citizens, opening the app creates the false impression that massive numbers of people support these narratives. In reality, it is a ‘digital intoxication’ operation powered by fake identities.”
⚠️ The network promoted several manipulative narratives, including:
- Linking EU accession with LGBTQ+ marches;
- False claims that wealthy citizens do not pay taxes.
- Allegations of illegal transport of home appliances;
- Promotion of an anti-European youth movement “gaining popularity” in Moldova.
Many of the posts contained AI-generated content. Fake profiles followed clear patterns, using names such as “mine3,” “mine677,” “boot1,” and “boot11.” Most accounts had no followers and followed no one.
Promo-Lex warned that the impact goes far beyond hashtag manipulation. “These are not simple campaign tricks. Instead of debate and arguments shaping public opinion, voters face massive amounts of inauthentic content. Even worse, such networks erode public trust in the online space. When citizens can no longer distinguish genuine comments from fabricated ones, they may end up believing that everything is false,” the observers cautioned.
By the time Promo-Lex published its report, some of the core accounts had already disappeared, but their duplicated content remains online.