On March 25, 2025, Evgenia Gutul, the head of the Gagauz autonomy in Moldova, was detained at Chisinau airport by employees of the National Center for Combating Corruption (NCC). The authorities held her for 72 hours without disclosing specific reasons for the detention.
Gutul was reportedly attempting to leave Moldova for Istanbul on official business when the arrest occurred. During the incident, her passport was confiscated, and she underwent a thorough inspection. This event has sent ripples through the political landscape of Moldova, especially given Gutul's controversial standing as a pro-Russian leader in a politically fraught environment.
Angela Starinskaya, the press secretary of the NCC, confirmed the detainment but stated further details would be made available on March 26. This lack of clarity has raised eyebrows among political analysts, particularly due to the increasing pressure Gutul has faced from the Moldovan government, especially following her meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2024.
Marina Tauber, a Moldovan deputy with known ties to the opposition, commented on Gutul's situation, suggesting that the arrest was circumvented previously only because of significant public support. "We will think about what to do," said Dmitry Konstantinov, the Chairman of the People's Assembly of Gagauzia, in response to the unfolding situation.
Gutul's political career hasn't been without controversy. Since her election in May 2023, she has been implicated in a criminal case relating to alleged financial misconduct during her time as secretary of the now-illegal Shor party from 2019 to 2022. Prosecutors allege that she was involved in systematically bringing in funds from Russia to support the party's activities.
Moreover, the political landscape in Moldova has been shaped by accusations that the current government is undermining national interests through anti-Russian policies, often viewed as being influenced by Western powers. Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council, has stated that "Russia is ready to help Gagauzia, and no one can prevent the rapprochement of the parties." Such statements reflect the broader context in which Gutul operates, indicating that her detention could signify a strategic crackdown on pro-Russian elements within Moldova.
In response to Gutul's detention, the People's Assembly of Gagauzia has scheduled an extraordinary meeting for March 26. This assembly is expected to serve as a platform for vocalizing discontent with the central government, particularly against the backdrop of increasing governmental pressure.
Opposition leader Ilan Shor condemned the detention as a politically motivated act aimed at quelling pro-Russian sentiments in Moldova. The police have launched several inquiries related to Gutul, including her connection to organized crime regarding campaign financing.
Adding context to her contentious political position, Gutul has often maintained that the Moldovan government has intensified its pressure on her following her meeting with President Putin, harboring suspicions that her pro-Russian stance has put her at odds with state authorities.
The Gagauz community is awaiting developments from the upcoming assembly meeting, reflecting on the implications of Gutul’s detention. With her ties to Russia, which has been positioning itself as a supporter of Gagauzia against the Moldovan government, her situation exemplifies the tenuous balance in Moldova's domestic politics.
What remains clear is that Gutul's detainment not only raises questions about her future but also the trajectory of Gagauz autonomy amid Moldovan politics. As of now, the public and political responses continue to unfold, with many watching closely how the NCC's next steps will impact the Gagauz leader and her constituency.
