Deepfake video of Moldovan electoral chief circulated to undermine elections
An AI-generated deepfake video falsely showed Moldova's electoral commission chief endorsing foreign interference in elections. The video was distributed by Russian state actors and media across Telegram and other platforms ahead of parliamentary elections, reportedly to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic institutions.
What happened
An AI-generated deepfake video was created showing Angelica Caraman, president of Moldova's Central Electoral Commission, stating that French interference in Moldovan elections would not constitute foreign interference because Moldova is on the path to EU membership.
The false video was distributed across multiple Telegram channels associated with disinformation, as well as by Russian propaganda websites and by Maria Zaharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, via her Telegram channel.
The deepfake was accompanied by claims that the CEC had permitted EU countries to meddle in Moldova's elections, contrary to Caraman's actual statements.
Reported impact
The Central Electoral Commission stated the material was intended to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, manipulate public opinion, and affect the integrity of the electoral process.
The deepfake circulated ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for autumn 2025, as authorities warned of a broader disinformation campaign on networks including TikTok and Telegram.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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