New Moldova Sanctions: 16 People, 2 Groups

Summary#

These final regulations (SOR/2025-163) amend the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations to add 16 individuals and 2 entities to Canada’s Moldova sanctions list. The measures freeze dealings with those listed, make them inadmissible to Canada, and came into force on August 26, 2025.

What it does#

• Adds a group of people and organizations to the sanctions list under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations. The amendments identify a total of 16 individuals and 2 entities (the full list is published in the Canada Gazette).
  • Examples among the named persons include Evghenia Gutul, Mihail Vlah, Irina Vlah, and Iurii Cuznetov.
  • The two added entities are Victory/Pobeda Political Bloc and Public Association – Association of People with Epaulettes “Scutul Poporului” (also known as Movement for the People).
• Prohibits people in Canada and Canadians abroad from dealing with the listed people or entities. That covers things like handling their property, entering into transactions with them, or providing services to them, unless a special permit is granted.
• Makes listed individuals inadmissible to Canada under immigration law.
• Keeps a process for listed people to apply to be removed from the list (a delisting request to the Minister of Foreign Affairs).
• Sets criminal penalties for knowingly breaking the rules: up to $25,000 (summary conviction) and possible jail time (up to one year on summary conviction, or up to five years if prosecuted on indictment).

Who's affected#

• The 16 named individuals and the 2 named entities on the amended schedule. They are the primary targets.
• Canadians, people in Canada, and Canadian businesses that might have dealt with those listed people or groups. Banks and other financial institutions must screen for and block prohibited transactions.
• Government agencies that enforce sanctions, such as the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which may investigate violations.
• It is unlikely to affect most ordinary Canadians because trade and financial links with the listed people and Moldovan actors are reported to be minimal.

Why it matters#

• These measures further restrict the financial and travel options of people and groups Canada says are linked to attempts to destabilize Moldova and support Russia-aligned influence there.
• For the listed people, the rules can freeze assets in Canada, cut off access to Canadian services, and bar entry to the country. For Canadians and businesses, it means a legal duty to avoid dealings with anyone on the list and to screen transactions.
• The timing is linked to concerns about interference in Moldova’s politics; Moldova was preparing for parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025, and Canada says the steps are meant to support Moldova’s democratic process.
• According to the government’s analysis, the direct commercial impact on Canada is expected to be small because overall trade and financial links with the targeted persons are limited.