The Menace of Operation MiddleFloor: Disinformation Campaign Threatens Moldova’s Democratic Process

A sinister plot has been uncovered in Moldova, just in time for the upcoming October elections. Dubbed “Operation MiddleFloor” by Check Point Research (CPR), this elaborate disinformation campaign aims to disrupt Moldova’s national referendum on European Union membership and sow discord among its citizens.

Unlike typical disinformation schemes that plague social media platforms, Operation MiddleFloor takes a more covert approach through the use of deceptive emails. These emails, disguised as official communications from European institutions and Moldovan government entities, are packed with fabricated documents designed to evoke distrust towards the EU and Moldova’s pro-European leadership.

The Deception Unraveled: Fabricated Documents and Data Harvesting

One cunning tactic employed in this campaign involved a forged European Commission document that outlined absurd requirements for Moldova to be considered for EU membership, including bizarre mandates like English exams for civil servants and the mandatory display of LGBT flags in public buildings. These false narratives aim to tarnish Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU and foster skepticism among its populace.

Moreover, the perpetrators behind the Operation, known as “Lying Pigeon,” are not only disseminating disinformation but also engaging in the collection of sensitive personal data through deceptive forms embedded in the emails. This alarming tactic poses a significant cybersecurity risk, paving the way for targeted cyber-attacks in the future.

Exploiting Sensitivities: A Closer Look at the Disinformation

Operation MiddleFloor doesn’t shy away from tackling contentious political issues, ranging from gas prices and anti-corruption measures to immigration and LGBT rights. One chilling example involved a fabricated email from Moldova’s Ministry of Energy warning citizens of an impending gas crisis and ensuing price hikes, sparking panic as winter approaches.

Evidence suggests that the masterminds behind this deceitful campaign have ties to Russian interests, drawing parallels to previous disinformation efforts in Europe. Their track record includes meddling in events like the 2023 NATO summit in Lithuania and the Spanish general elections.

Explore more about election interference: Cyber Insecurity and Misinformation – Top WEF Global Risk List

Moldovan authorities have swiftly denounced the falsity of these documents and issued warnings to the public about the ongoing threat. Despite the challenges posed by email-based attacks, efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and safeguard democratic processes.

“Lying Pigeon’s agenda likely extends beyond mere disinformation, aiming to plant malware and extract sensitive information for future malevolent activities,” CPR cautioned.

“This complex blend of misinformation and data theft underscores the sophisticated nature of Lying Pigeon’s operations, making them a formidable adversary in the battle to preserve democratic integrity and cyber defense in Europe.”