Meta removed fake accounts targeting Moldovan voters before election

From Investing.com: 2024-10-11 17:50:38

Meta Platforms removed a network of fake group accounts targeting Russian-speaking Moldovan voters before the Oct. 20 election. Moldovan authorities blocked Telegram channels and chat bots linked to paying voters to cast “no” ballots in a EU membership referendum along with the presidential election.

The fake Meta accounts criticized pro-EU politicians in Moldova and backed pro-Russia parties. The operation involved fictitious Russian-language news brands on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, OK.ru, and TikTok. Meta removed seven Facebook accounts, 23 pages, one group, and 20 Instagram accounts for policy violations.

Around 4,200 accounts followed the 23 pages, and approximately 335,000 accounts followed the Instagram accounts. In Chisinau, authorities blocked 15 Telegram channels and 95 chat bots offering money to voters, linked to supporters of fugitive businessman Ilan Shor.

Police in Moldova searched homes of leaders associated with Shor as part of a criminal probe into election-meddling. Tens of thousands of voters were allegedly paid off through Russian bank accounts. Shor, convicted in absentia for involvement in a $1 billion bank fraud in 2014, denies trying to bribe voters.

President Sandu accuses Moscow of seeking to overthrow her government, while Russia accuses her of fueling anti-Russia sentiment.



Read more at Investing.com: Meta removes fake accounts in Moldova ahead of presidential election By Reuters