Telegram, the Trojan horse promoting Shor and mobilizing protests

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In the Republic of Moldova, a rapidly growing Telegram network presents itself as local groups sharing “useful information.” While the channels announce weather updates, road repairs, and cultural events, they consistently deliver propaganda messages in favor of Ilan Shor and his associates, reports disinfo.md.

The network currently includes around 25 channels with a combined audience of over 30,000 followers. Operators expand the audience through internal Telegram ads and cross-promotion between channels.

Content monitoring reveals that roughly one in three messages promotes Shor, Evghenia Gutul, Victoria Furtuna, or attacks PAS. The remaining two-thirds cover ordinary local news—water interruptions, fires, concerts, and “today in history” posts—blending propaganda seamlessly into daily updates.

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The channels increasingly use videos generated with artificial intelligence, presenting them as “protester appeals” or “exclusive testimonies.” In reality, these materials mimic real events. Other messages claim Moldovan authorities “support the LGBT community” or create “aid resources,” accompanied by digitally generated images and videos.

The strategy is simple: daily news builds trust, making political messages appear natural. The government is framed as a “corrupt yellow clique,” while the opposition appears as “victims of repression.” Paid promotional campaigns steadily grow the network’s reach and mobilize subscribers for potential protests.

By blurring the line between information and propaganda, the network normalizes AI-generated content and shapes perception as “reality.” Over 30,000 people are now exposed to a platform where one in three messages carries disguised political appeals.