Authorities blocked 195 individuals classified as “high national security risks” from entering the Republic of Moldova to participate in a sports event presented as the “European Kickboxing Championship,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) stated.
According to the MIA, the Ministry of Education and Research, as well as other relevant state institutions, had not authorized the competition.
“In coordination with other agencies, including the Intelligence and Security Service, specialized institutions carried out the necessary checks and identified among the athletes and staff several individuals directly affiliated with Russian force structures such as SOBR, CSKA, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and former Russian military personnel. Authorities also confirmed the presence of athletes originating from territories under occupation or unrecognized administration (Crimea and Donbas regions),” the ministry reported.
Law enforcement agencies stepped up border control and tightened entry conditions for high-risk individuals. “The General Inspectorate of Border Police denied entry to 19 individuals and, following international cooperation and information exchange, refused boarding for another 176 before their departure to Moldova. Most of these individuals came from the Russian Federation and Belarus,” the MIA added.
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Among the risks highlighted by the MIA were “links between some so-called athletes and organized criminal groups connected to Russian force structures; display of symbols supporting the war; hate speech and separatism; and protests or disruptive actions intended to damage Moldova’s international reputation.”
“After the event organizers canceled the senior competition, junior participants were allowed to proceed under normal conditions, provided they comply with all legal procedures for entry into the country,” the MIA concluded.
Earlier, PAS party councilors accused the Chisinau City Hall of allowing participation from athletes connected to the criminal underworld in Russia and Belarus. In response, Andrei Pavaloi, deputy head of the municipal sports department, rejected the accusations, stating that officials had submitted the participant list to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Intelligence and Security Service (ISS).