Former Moldovan intelligence official Alexandru Balan has been received in Belarus with official honours following his deportation, pardon, and exchange for two officers of Moldova’s Information and Security Service (SIS).
Alexandru Balan Belarus reception draws attention
Belarusian state media have reported extensively on the arrival of what they described as “Belarusian intelligence officers,” referring to Balan and Vladislav Nadeiko, who was handed over by Poland.
The reports do not mention Balan’s previous role in Moldova or his professional background.
Nadeiko is a lesser-known figure. According to available information, he had worked as a taxi driver in Białystok and was allegedly tasked by Belarusian intelligence services with gathering information on opposition figures who left Belarus after the events of 2020.
Official reception and statements
Upon arrival, Balan and Nadeiko were greeted by Alexander Tarasevich, deputy head of the investigative department of the Belarusian State Security Committee. He presented them with flowers and gift packages reportedly sent on behalf of President Alexander Lukashenko.
“Freedom is the greatest thing a person can have. I am very grateful to Belarus, to the Belarusian people, and to the president for extending a helping hand,” Balan said in comments broadcast on Belarusian television.
Citizenship questions remain
Following his pardon, Balan was also stripped of Moldovan citizenship.
The circumstances surrounding his current legal status remain unclear, including whether he may hold citizenship of another country.
