VIDEO | "Dozens of megaphones do not produce a single piece of evidence". Mihai Isac, about the "weapons factory" in Chisinau: from an anonymous letter to Ion Ceban and Maria Zaharova in just a few hours
The information about an alleged armament factory that would have already been set up in Chisinau was released into the public space without the presentation of a contract, an authorization or a document that would prove the existence of such an investment, but it was quickly taken over by social networks and, in just a few hours, reached Moscow's official discourse. Analyst Mihai Isac explains, in the "Fake News Alert" show on TVR Moldova, the path of this narrative, starting from a letter attributed to an alleged TRACOM employee.
The analyst draws attention to the difference between the authorities' declared intention to develop production capacities for interceptor drones and the claim that a certain company is already installing equipment for a military factory in Chisinau.
Mihai Isac points out that the story was initially presented as a certainty, although the source cited was anonymous, and the documents that could have demonstrated the existence of such a factory were not made public.
"Chisinau has entered a new industrial era. Armament factories are being built, it seems, first from anonymous posts and letters. We do not have contracts or authorizations presented publicly, but we already have the alarm. The Mayor General of Chisinau, Ion Ceban, announces, Telegram and TikTok distribute, and Maria Zaharova presents the conclusions from Moscow. Such a speed of export would be worth studying. It's a shame that the product is disinformation. The mayor says that equipment is already being installed, then asks if the information is true. First the certainty, then the verification. It's like announcing that the block of flats is burning, and then asking if anyone saw smoke. Our story starts from a letter sent by a supposed TRACOM employee. Photos of a building are presented, but without a contract, authorization or rental document. An anonymous source can trigger an investigation. That does not mean that it ends it. The photos prove that a building exists. In this era, a hall and three windows can become a military base until on the evening news bulletin", Isaac explained.
The analyst then emphasizes that the narrative spread rapidly, despite denials and the lack of documents confirming it.
"The company in question denied that it had any plans or agreements to open a factory in Chisinau. On October 16, the Government stated that it was not analyzing the location of factories for military purposes and that the investment would also require amending the current legal framework. Yes, President Maia Sandu spoke about the intention to produce interceptor drones. This does not confirm, however, that a certain company is already installing equipment at TRACOM. According to TRACOM, dozens of Telegram and TikTok accounts, including accounts associated with Sputnik Moldova, quickly shared the topic. Approximately three hours after the first posts, the topic also reached Maria Zakharova's statements. The contract that would prove the existence of the factory is missing from the story. In STRATCOM's assessment, the speed and distribution network indicate an amplification coordinated by Moscow's intelligence services", the analyst explained.
Finally, Isac points out that the extent of distribution of information cannot replace the evidence that should confirm it.
"Repeating the same story does not mean confirmation from independent sources. Dozens of megaphones do not produce a single piece of evidence. Meanwhile, the defense ministry in Chisinau is reporting incidents of airspace violations on the background of Russian attacks against Ukraine. These are documented risks and require attention. For now, the finished product of the drone factory story is FICA, and citizens have the right to verified information, not rumors presented as certainties.", concluded Mihai Isac.
