The United Kingdom is prepared to impose sanctions on Evrazia, a Russia-based organisation which it claims attempted to rig a referendum in Moldova.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, confirmed this on Wednesday.

FCDO alleged that the group was attempting to “destabilise Moldovan democracy and spread Russia’s malign influence.”

The Moldovan government accused Russia of trying to undermine the country’s democracy by attempting to influence its presidential election last year, which was won by pro-Western leader Maia Sandu, and also during a referendum last October on amending the country’s constitution to include support for European Union, EU, membership.

Russia has rejected these claims.

The new UK sanctions will result in the freezing of Evrazia’s assets and a travel ban for the group, its founder Nelli Parutenco, and board member Natalia Parasca.

FCDO claims the Russian non-profit organisation was used to bribe citizens to vote “no” in last year’s referendum.

UK sanctions pro-Russian group over alleged Moldova vote interference