Moldovan Court Sentences Pro-Kremlin Leader Evgenia Gutul to Seven Years for Illicit Party Financing

A Moldovan court on Tuesday sentenced Evgenia Gutul, a pro-Kremlin regional leader, to seven years in prison for channeling illicit funds from Russia to support a banned political party. Gutul was found guilty of financing the “Shor” party, a pro-Moscow group that authorities say posed a threat to Moldova’s democratic integrity.

Prosecutors revealed that from 2019 to 2022, Gutul systematically transferred undeclared money from Russia to fund the activities of the Shor party, which was founded by Ilan Shor—an exiled businessman convicted of fraud in Moldova. The party has since been outlawed for its alleged attempts to destabilize the country using foreign money and influence.

Despite the verdict, Gutul has denied any wrongdoing. Her sentencing is part of a broader effort by Moldovan authorities to combat Russian interference and safeguard the country’s political system. The case also underscores Moldova’s ongoing tensions with Moscow amid its push for closer ties with the European Union.

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