Moldova: Head of Gagauzia Sentenced to Seven Years Over Financing Shor Party

The head of Moldova’s Gagauzia, Evghenia Gutsul, has been sentenced to seven years in a semi‑closed prison over a case involving the financing of the pro‑Russian Shor Party, Orda.kz reports, citing Novaya Gazeta.

She will serve her sentence in a facility where she can work, participate in reintegration programs, and leave the prison with the administration’s permission.

The court also imposed a five‑year ban on her membership in political parties and on holding accounting, financial, or organizational roles in political groups.

According to the verdict, Gutsul brought money for the Shor Party from Russia, coordinated the work of several of its offices, and “knowingly received funds from an organized criminal group” to finance the party’s activities.