Investigation reveals alleged financial incentives for Moldovan priests
The Metropolis of Moldova confirms that several priests have embarked on pilgrimages to the Russian Federation but claims ignorance of any alleged political motives for which the involved clergy might be financially compensated.
"Priests have always been fond of pilgrimages... This is nothing unusual. As for receiving financial resources or cards, I am not aware of it," said Bishop Ioan Moșneguțu in a comment to Teleradio-Moldova. This statement followed an investigation by the deschide.md portal, which revealed that dozens of priests from the Metropolis of Moldova have allegedly gone on pilgrimages to Moscow. There, they were reportedly received by high-ranking representatives of the Russian Patriarchate and, upon their return, were promised financial incentives and MIR bank cards issued by Promsvyazbank, an institution under international sanctions.
"When asked, some priests who have already returned from this pilgrimage denied this information as erroneous," the bishop added.
While Ioan Moșneguțu neither confirmed nor denied that the pilgrimages could have political implications, he acknowledged the potential for the priests to be used by the Kremlin for electoral purposes on the eve of the presidential elections and against the referendum on European integration, as suggested by the investigation.
"If this turns out to be true, we will address the situation accordingly. For now, we need to determine what is real and true," the bishop stated. He clarified that he does not know the exact number of priests currently going on pilgrimages to the Russian Federation, stating that each one travels on their own initiative.
According to sources from deschide.md, 24 priests from Soroca and Florești are scheduled to fly tomorrow, August 20, to the Russian Federation for these so-called pilgrimages. These pilgrimages are reportedly organised by several church leaders, including Bishop Marchel, who allegedly centralises the collection of priests' identity documents. When contacted for a response, Bishop Marchel refused to answer Teleradio-Moldova's questions, stating that he was at the border and about to cross customs.
In Soroca, according to the source, the departures to Russia are allegedly organised by the secretary of the Soroca Diocese, Nicolae Craveț. When contacted, Craveț denied involvement, claiming that he had only heard "rumours" about these departures.
"For the fourth consecutive day, I have been walking through the Soroca district. Until August 27, I will continue to walk with the icon. I am not organising anything; I do not have the means, as I am walking on foot all day. It must be a mistake if my name is mentioned. I have not organised anything, and so far, no priest from the Soroca district has gone anywhere. I have also heard talk and rumours that this is being organised. I saw various photos about two weeks ago showing priests leaving for Moscow, but I have not seen anyone from the Soroca district."
Illegal Financing from Russia Under Police Scrutiny
Law enforcement is investigating any form of illegal financing that may arrive or be attempted in the Republic of Moldova by organisations, criminal groups, or other representatives from outside the country, according to the head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, who spoke to Teleradio-Moldova.
"We are not just talking about a specific social category or group of citizens; we are referring to everyone. I cannot confirm or deny anything at this time, as both the police and other institutions are actively involved in the relevant procedures. Absolutely regardless of whether you are a teacher, a public official, or a priest, when someone acts in the interest of a criminal organisation and engages in illegal activities, the responsibility is the same as for any other category of people. Depending on their actions, these individuals will be held accountable."
Comrat's Bashkan and fugitive Ilan Șor utilise Russian Bank Promsvyazbank for illegal financing
The Bashkan of Comrat and fugitive Ilan Șor are reportedly using the Russian bank Promsvyazbank, which is under international sanctions, to open accounts in the names of Moldovans, particularly from the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTAG). These accounts are allegedly used for the illegal financing of political parties, initiative groups, and electoral competitors. Prosecutors have recently conducted searches in connection with this case. Authorities have warned that the use of MIR cards in the Republic of Moldova is prohibited, and violators of this ban risk sanctions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
