Moldovan authorities have dismantled a criminal group specialized in the illegal trafficking of people from Africa and Asia to Romania, detaining several suspects.

A criminal group specialized in the illegal trafficking of persons, operating from Africa and Asia through southern Moldova to Romania, has been dismantled by Moldovan authorities. The group, consisting of Moldovan and foreign citizens, operated in a coordinated manner, with each member having well-defined roles. Three of the traffickers have been identified as responsible for facilitating the illegal crossing of individuals from the Republic of Moldova into Romania, with the aim of obtaining financial profit.

The victims reported that they paid sums of money both in their countries of origin and on Moldovan territory to be illegally crossed over the border. Law enforcement conducted searches at the suspects' homes, confiscating three vehicles, money, electronic devices, and other items relevant to the criminal activity. The suspects have been detained for 72 hours, and the court has ordered judicial control for 60 days. Investigations, initiated in September, continue to identify all members of the group and to establish the extent of the illegal activities carried out.