Tag: Moldova

 The State of Corruption in Moldova.

(Disclaimer: Yesterday, I attended an event at the Brookings Institute where the Justice Minister of Moldova spoke about the country’s Anti-Corruption efforts).

Moldova borders Ukraine in Eastern Europe, and Russia is viewed as its sphere of influence due to Moldova being part of the Soviet Union. According to the Anti-Corruption Resource Center, Moldova is a country that, like many in the region, has a strong oligarchy where corruption and bribery are prevalent. Despite this, in 2021, the election of Maia Sandu and the Party of Action & Solidarity (PAS) signaled a new era of commitment to anti-corruption initiatives. An article by the Center For Security and International Studies states that due to the conflict in Ukraine, Moldova has applied for membership to the EU despite opening up to foreign investors and instituting judicial reforms. While these are encouraging steps to combat corrupt influences, it appears that, like Ukraine, Moldova is trying to make strides in eradicating corruption.       

Viktor Gusan: the Corrupt Sheriff of Transnistria.

Recently, in a Europa League match, Manchester United, one of the most recognizable names in world football (soccer), played a team from Moldova called FC Sheriff. The background of FC Sheriff is fascinating and mysterious. The club are based in Transnistria, a breakaway self-governing republic of Moldova that has close geopolitical ties to Russia. A company, also called Sheriff, owns the football club and additionally has its hands in many other businesses, including gas stations, supermarkets, and the local mobile phone network. Viktor Gusan, the owner of Sheriff—both the club and the company–is also allegedly involved in the illegal smuggling of many goods, including weapons. Gusan called his company Sheriff due to a love of old western movies. According to Foreign Policy magazine’s Robert O’Connor, the Sheriff company increased its bottom line through smuggling. Most of these goods make their way towards Odesa, Ukraine, a haven for illicit activities before the recent conflict with Russia. 

With his accumulated wealth, Gusan built a $200 million stadium and spent lavishly on new players from foreign countries to help drive FC Sheriff to the top of the Moldavan League standings. Gusan is also heavily involved in local politics, and, according to Radio Free Europe’s Timothy Wesolowsky, he has close ties with almost every politician in the Transnistrian parliament. It is probably safe to say that not much happens in Transnistria without his approval.