At least 74 people were arrested in Moldova over an alleged plot to incite mass riots ahead of next weekend’s parliamentary elections, which President Maia Sandu blamed on Russian interference.

Police carried out over 250 raids, saying the suspects were trained abroad and coordinated by criminal elements from Russia.

Sandu accused the Kremlin of funding efforts to destabilize the country and warned voters not to let Moldova fall under foreign influence.

Moscow denies meddling, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The elections are seen as crucial for Moldova and Europe, with pro-Russian opposition seeking to exploit economic frustrations, while diaspora voters could play a decisive role.