Nearly 120 human trafficking victims in 2024: traffickers’ tactics to exploit the vulnerable
Human trafficking remains a significant issue affecting both adults and children in the Republic of Moldova. According to the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS), 119 victims of human trafficking were identified over the past year, including 30 minors. Additionally, 320 individuals were brought to trial.
According to state prosecutors, the 320 defendants were accused of child trafficking, pimping, illegal migration, forced labor, child pornography and other forms of exploitation.
“Based on these criminal cases, 119 victims were identified – 89 adults and 30 children”, state prosecutors said, fewer than in 2023, when 169 victims were documented.
According to prosecutors, half of the adult victims were trafficked abroad, while the majority of children were exploited on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
“Traffickers take advantage of the victims’ social and economic vulnerability, lack of information and moral or sexual education”, state prosecutors said.
One of the common methods for luring victims into the trap is the “loverboy” - when traffickers claim to be in love with the future victim, whom they subsequently persuade to provide sexual services.
At the same time, the most common forms of trafficking remain sexual exploitation, through labor and begging. In some cases, adults are forced to participate in criminal activities, and women - used as surrogate mothers.
For victims trafficked abroad, it often starts with the promise of an attractive salary. Once at their destination, the people discover that they “owe the traffickers for the cost of the ticket, documents, accommodation and food”, receiving very little or no money until they manage to return home.
Prosecutors recommend that citizens who receive suspicious job offers abroad check whether the company has a business license, legal contracts and registration with the National Employment Agency. Warning signs include the lack of displayed documents, refusal to present original documents, offers without clear details or promises to pay for the trip.
Victims of human trafficking have benefited from shelter and support in placement centers, where they were offered counseling and psychological assistance.
PCCOCS also reports, in context, that courts issued 65 convictions last year, and the defendants were ordered to pay legal expenses totaling 150,000 lei.
Under the Criminal Code, human trafficking, including child trafficking, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison or even life imprisonment.
