Wagner Mercenaries Detained in Moldova in Joint Operation With Ukraine

Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint international operation, codenamed “Avengers,” leading to the detention of mercenaries affiliated with the Wagner Group and other irregular armed formations fighting against Ukraine, according to the National Police of Ukraine.

Three detained individuals, all Moldovan nationals, were reportedly involved in combat operations from 2014 to 2023, including the battle for Donetsk airport, the capture of Bakhmut, and the encirclement at Debaltseve.

They were allegedly part of Wagner, the “Somali” battalion, and other armed groups linked to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Russia. Some of the detained individuals had received awards and medals from the military leadership of occupying forces.

As part of the first phase of Operation “Avengers,” over 50 searches were carried out at the residences and registration addresses of suspects. Authorities seized documents, electronic devices, and mobile phones containing communications, photos, and video materials that provided evidence of recruitment activities, service conditions within Wagner, and direct involvement in combat operations in Ukraine.

Moldovan police have formally charged the three detainees under Article 141(1) of Moldova’s Criminal Code, which pertains to participation as mercenaries in armed conflicts or violent acts aimed at overthrowing or undermining constitutional order and territorial integrity. The suspects are currently awaiting court rulings on pretrial detention measures.

According to Ivan Vyhivskyi, Head of the National Police of Ukraine, more than 200 police officers from both countries were involved in documenting the activities of foreign fighters. He stated that this is only the beginning of a larger investigation, with 85 Moldovan nationals identified as having participated in hostilities on Russia’s behalf. Ukrainian authorities have obtained detailed records on their military history, family connections, contacts, and current locations.

The National Police of Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation focusing on the recruitment, training, financing, and deployment of foreign fighters in combat against Ukraine. Relevant data has been shared with Moldovan law enforcement, prompting further pre-trial investigations.

Vyhivskyi emphasized that the findings have been forwarded to European law enforcement agencies, advocating for the establishment of an international database of war mercenaries to counter this security threat collectively.

Since 2014, Ukrainian police have identified 37 private military companies created by Russia to conduct operations in Ukraine and beyond. Authorities warn that the proliferation of such groups poses risks to Europe, including social destabilization, the rise of organized crime, and the reintegration of mercenaries into EU countries.

Earlier, a British court sentenced 49-year-old Polish national Piotr Kucharski to 2.5 years in prison for posing as a Wagner Group member. Arrested at a historical event in Suffolk, he displayed Wagner insignia and made threatening gestures. Authorities found far-right materials at his residence, but no evidence of actual ties to Wagner.