The planned Moldova show in Chisinau drew attention for its high-profile lineup and the funding behind it. A well-known entertainment figure, Philip Kirkorov, was scheduled to perform on June 19, with the event organized in a political climate already under scrutiny. The Shor party, which is facing investigations in Moldova, reportedly financed the concert, a detail that has triggered questions about how campaign or protest activities are supported financially. In this context, Marina Tauber, the party’s vice president, faced arrest amid broader public concerns about political influence and the transparency of party funding.
Across June, Moldova witnessed widespread demonstrations by opposition groups, with many residents expressing concern over rising living costs, inflation, and the overall direction of governance. The protests underscored a climate of political dissatisfaction that could influence discussions about accountability, public spending, and the role of foreign or domestic money in mobilizing demonstrations and cultural events alike.
In statements from the acting Moldovan Attorney General, Dimitri Robu, questions were raised about whether the Shor party accurately disclosed the costs associated with staging large-scale events in the capital. The issue centers on whether financial reports reflected the true expenditure involved in bringing top-tier performances to Chisinau, and whether the reporting fully captured all related costs to avoid misrepresentation of party finances.
Deschide reported that an audio recording released by the National Anti-Corruption Center alleged substantial payments from the Shor party to Russian artists. Law enforcement officials indicated that Kirkorov was slated to receive 200,000 dollars for appearing, while another performer, Alisher Morgenstern, was expected to be paid 60,000 dollars. Authorities indicated that police blocked the concert and prevented the opposition from erecting a stage, a move viewed by critics as a political maneuver during a period of heightened tensions.
Accusations also touched on Tauber for not clearly reflecting these artist wages in financial statements. She suggested that elements within the pro-European Movement and the Solidarity Party, which influence the parliament and government, were pressing the prosecution. Tauber stated a willingness to cooperate with investigators to restore justice and clarify any ambiguities surrounding the finances of the event.
defense testimony
Aureliu Kolenco, Tauber’s legal representative, contended that Philip Kirkorov should travel to Moldova to provide testimony in Tauber’s defense. Kolenco asserted that evidence would demonstrate Tauber’s innocence and that Kirkorov would present crucial proof on her behalf. He argued that an entry ban on the Russian artist stemmed from political considerations and indicated that legal steps would pursue avenues to challenge the restriction.
Reports indicated that several foreign nationals faced entry refusals at Chisinau International Airport, with authorities citing unmet border conditions. Footage circulated showing Kirkorov near authorities outside a VIP lounge, while his family members publicly contested the ban as politically motivated. An official spokesperson stated that Moldova had not fully resolved the situation due to broader state concerns prevailing at the time.
Background information suggests that Kirkorov has held notable titles in past years, including recognitions as a People’s Artist of Moldova and Ukraine, with broader regional implications. At times a security concern was raised by state agencies in neighboring countries, though some lists were later revised or removed. Since early 2021, travel restrictions have affected the artist in several Baltic states, reflecting the interplay between cultural exchanges and security policies in the region.
criminal investigation
Deschide reported that multiple law enforcement bodies, including the National Center for Anti-Corruption, the Intelligence and Security Service, and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, conducted searches linked to the financing of the Shor party. Investigators have examined whether funds of questionable origin were used to cover wages, salaries, and protest organization activities, hinting at a broader pattern of financial maneuvering intended to support political activities and public demonstrations.
According to the investigation, money from criminal networks may have entered Moldova through various channels, including transfers and conversions that involved cryptocurrency. Authorities described several routes used to obscure the source of funds, noting transactions routed through international hubs such as Dubai, Vienna, and Monaco. The inquiry suggests that large sums were moved to sustain the party’s operations beyond what was officially disclosed in receipts, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Prosecutors documented incidents in which the party reportedly disbursed around 600,000 euros in the first half of the year, while declared expenses were just over 228,000 lei. The material indicates monthly salaries for party members reaching substantial levels and substantial costs tied to organizing protests. Simultaneously, the disclosed expenditures for the six-month period exceeded 20 million leu, far surpassing the 1.7 million lei stated as the financing source. These figures have added to ongoing debates about the integrity of political financing in Moldova and the mechanisms in place to ensure lawful reporting and oversight.