Security and Intelligence Service probe into Balan began with internal suspicions, confirmed by external partners
The investigation into the former deputy director of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS), Alexandru Balan, began after suspicions regarding his behavior and potential contacts with foreign intelligence services emerged within the agency between 2022 and 2023. These suspicions were later confirmed by external partners, who documented his connections to entities in Belarus. This was stated by the head of the SIS, Alexandru Musteața.
Alexandru Balan has been described as a traitor whose behavior has raised significant doubts within the service since 2022-2023. During this time, internal investigations were initiated, which ultimately led to his dismissal. However, the investigation did not end there. The service continued its work under a classified counter-intelligence file, involving a small team. They documented Balan's contacts with the intelligence services of another country, as explained by Alexandru Musteața during a show on PRO TV.
In 2025, confirmation of these suspicions came when external partners provided additional information. “We learned from external partners that, during their investigations, they identified his connections with the Belarusian services. Our efforts then combined with those of other nations, leading to a joint criminal investigation,” added Musteața.
The case was eventually handled at the international level, including through Eurojust, resulting in Balan’s detention in Romania. Musteața emphasized that investigations involving treason, espionage, or conspiracy are “extremely complex,” as individuals like Balan often take measures to protect themselves.
“This investigation took time, but it was conducted thoroughly, allowing us to document his activities from start to finish,” Musteața stated.
Balan admitted guilt in a case concerning the disclosure of secret information, was convicted, and subsequently pardoned to facilitate his inclusion in an international exchange of persons, leaving voluntarily according to the authorities. “He was informed of the request and accepted it. He gave his consent and left on his own,” Musteața noted, adding that Balan had not had access to classified information since 2019 and does not pose any danger to the country.
The authorities are currently assessing the impact of his actions. “We believe that the information he had access to is compromised, and we are still analyzing the extent of his actions,” Musteața said.
Meanwhile, Balan faces charges in Romania for espionage and treason, which could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. According to the head of the SIS, the case remains open, and the trial is ongoing in Romanian courts.
Alexandru Balan Extradited from Romania to the Republic of Moldova
Alexandru Balan, the former deputy director of the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS), was extradited from Romania and handed over to authorities in Chișinău on April 24.
His extradition raised suspicions, particularly because it took place shortly after he was sentenced on April 15 in the Republic of Moldova to one year and six months in prison for revealing a state secret. This verdict was delivered following the first hearing, which he attended via videoconference while in Romanian custody. During the trial, Balan admitted to his actions and requested a simplified trial process. He also consented to be extradited to the Republic of Moldova.
Balan, who holds dual citizenship in Moldova and Romania, was detained on September 8, 2025, in Timișoara. He faced accusations of leaking state secrets about Romania to the Belarusian secret services, which are aligned with Moscow. After several months in pre-trial detention, he was subsequently placed under house arrest.
The detention operation was conducted with the support of EUROJUST, in cooperation with the intelligence services of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. In the final stages of the investigation, the secret services from Chișinău were also involved.
Throughout his career at SIS, Balan held various positions, including head of counterintelligence. In 2016, he was promoted to deputy director.
