CHISINAU, Moldova – Moldovan police have detained a total of 13 people who they say are part of a paramilitary group that was planning to take control of a northern Moldovan city with a majority Russian population.
The General Police Inspectorate said Thursday the group wanted to attack state institutions in the capital, Chisinau, and in Balti, a city some 120 kilometers (75 miles) north, with the aim of creating a new separatist republic similar to the one in eastern Ukraine.
Eight were charged Thursday with being part of a paramilitary group that planned to attack state institutions.
Police initially detained five people on Wednesday. Police said the suspected ringleader is from eastern Ukraine and has a criminal record.
Police began a criminal inquiry into the group on Oct. 27.
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