Russian intelligence services have set up mercenary training camps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to prepare fighters for a coup attempt in Moldova, Balkan Insight reported on July 15.
The findings come from a joint investigation by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and CU SENS.
The operation recruited Moldovan nationals, who were required to surrender their phones and passports before training began. The program included drone operations and riot tactics.
One of the mercenaries, Maksim Rosca, revealed that participants were promised $300 to $500 for a 10-day intensive course, with payments made in cryptocurrency.
Prosecutors state that members of the group underwent paramilitary training in Bosnia and Serbia between August 1–16 and August 22–October 11, 2024. The instructors have been linked to Russia’s Wagner Group and several individuals sanctioned by the European Union.
The training was designed to disrupt Moldova’s presidential election held in October and November 2024, in which pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu defeated pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo.
“In Bosnia, they trained with drones and learned how to organise mass riots and how to provoke the police into a violent reaction,” said Moldovan MP Lilian Carp of the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity, who chairs the parliamentary security committee.
“Our authorities know exactly where the training took place, in which camps and how people got to those locations, how the instructors from the Wagner group got there, what they talked about and what type of training was held.”
In October 2024, Bosnia’s security ministry denied the existence of such camps, stating: “If such a thing really existed, Moldova would probably have informed us, requested information, warned us or sent a note of protest. We have never officially received a letter from them.”
In February 2025, reporters from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network visited Radenka, Serbia, where video and photographs had previously shown a training camp with tents. On site, they found burnt paper, remnants of plastic tarpaulin, and scorched ground.
According to Serbian government-affiliated media, investigators also discovered drones, VR headsets, Starlink satellite internet equipment, and flammable liquids at the location. Neither the Serbian government nor police have officially commented on the findings.
Earlier, it was reported that the European Union expanded its sanctions against those threatening Moldova’s sovereignty.
The restrictive measures target seven individuals and three entities involved in activities “aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence as well as democracy, the rule of law, and stability” of Moldova.
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