U.S. Department of State 2003 Trafficking in Persons Report - Moldova

Moldova (Republic of) (Tier 2)

Moldova is primarily a source country for women and children trafficked to the Balkans (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania, Serbia-Montenegro and Kosovo); other European countries (Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey); and the Middle East (Lebanon, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Afghanistan). There has been an increase in Moldovans trafficked to Israel, via Moscow and Egypt, and a recently discovered case of Moldovans trafficked to Japan. Moldovan men have been trafficked to Russia and neighboring countries for forced labor and begging. Moldova is also a transit country for victims trafficked from Ukraine to Romania. The border region of Transnistria, not under the central government's control, also serves as a source and transit point for trafficking victims.

The Government of Moldova does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government established a National Working Group, which developed a multi-year strategic plan for combating trafficking. However, improvements from the previous year are limited, as the problems of endemic corruption, lack of resources and inadequate protection hinder the government's comprehensive and effective response.

Prevention

The government acknowledges that Moldova is one of the most significant source countries for trafficked persons around the world, but does not yet treat it as a top priority. Most activities are initiated by international organizations, subsidized by foreign institutions, and implemented by NGOs, without any support from the government. The State Migration Service (SMS) increased its anti-trafficking efforts through maintenance of a database of legally licensed agencies that it can match with people interested in working abroad. The SMS works closely with international organizations to educate people about the potential dangers of working abroad. In addition, over 60 representatives from the Ministry of Labor serve as trainers in a regional women's economic empowerment initiative.

Prosecution

Trafficking in persons is criminally prohibited in Moldova. During the reporting period, two people were convicted and sentenced to 15 and 10 years, respectively, for trafficking children to Russia for the purpose of begging. Of the 42 other trafficking criminal cases initiated, eight were referred to court, 19 are pending, two were suspended, and 13 were dismissed. Trafficking-related offenses are also prosecuted under laws on pimping, fraud, forgery and maintaining brothels. The government's Counter-Trafficking Division actively employs special investigative techniques, such as electronic surveillance and undercover operations. The Government of Moldova also works with other countries under the Stability Pact and with international organizations to enhance anti-trafficking law enforcement skills and programs. Moldovan officials cooperate with their counterparts in other countries and shared data were incorporated into the majority of trafficking investigations in Moldova. Several human trafficking routes were closed due to international cooperation. Most recently, officials stopped a woman who trafficked other women to Japan. This was the first registered case of trafficking in Moldovan women to Japan. Widespread corruption and lack of resources prevent adequate border control and monitoring of traffickers, especially in the Transnistria region. The Moldovan Police Academy cooperated with an NGO to develop a new curriculum and implement an anti-trafficking module for the police academy training program. The government is investigating trafficking-related crimes involving government officials, such as a mayor who was arrested for taking a bribe for issuing false documents..

Protection

The Government of Moldova fails to protect victims adequately. While it does not treat victims as criminals it does not provide residency status, relief from deportation, shelter, or access to legal, medical, or psychological services for victims. The government encourages victims to assist in investigations and prosecutions. Moldovan law provides for witness protection, including change of identity and residence, but in practice this is not always provided due to lack of resources. There are no standard operating procedures for the identification of victims of trafficking, nor are victims provided compensation. Victims can obtain employment while the trafficker is prosecuted, but job opportunities are scarce in Moldova. The Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs improved victim identification and support strategies for Moldovan consular staff abroad.

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