The U.S. Department of State has released the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, which evaluates each country’s efforts to combat human trafficking and ranks them according to a tier system. The Republic of Moldova remains on Tier 2 this year, meaning that while authorities do not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, they are making significant efforts to address the issue, TRIBUNA reports, citing the General Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the report, Moldovan authorities have made progress, including:

• investigating 67 trafficking cases — nearly 40% more than in 2023;
• doubling the number of prosecutions (119 in 2024 compared to 64 in 2023);
• sentencing a former police officer to 20 years in prison for labor trafficking — a landmark conviction involving official complicity;
• developing digital tools to identify and assist victims;
• strengthening international cooperation, including joint investigation teams with Romania and participation in Europol and Frontex-coordinated actions.

However, the report also highlights several shortcomings:

• shortage of personnel and resources among police and prosecutors specialized in combating trafficking;
• decrease in the number of identified victims (149 in 2024 compared to 167 in 2023);
• limited access to specialized services for victims, especially in rural areas.

The report emphasizes that labor trafficking remains the most widespread form of exploitation, affecting primarily men and minors, especially in agriculture, construction, and services. Women and girls continue to be vulnerable to sexual exploitation, while Ukrainian refugees and Roma communities are identified as high-risk groups.

Special attention is drawn to the situation in the Transnistrian region, where constitutional authorities lack access to monitor or combat trafficking. The absence of official data and coordinated measures increases the vulnerability of refugees and local communities to exploitation.

The report also outlines key recommendations for Moldova:

1. intensify proactive victim identification, especially among vulnerable groups;
2. expand protection services and ensure long-term medical and psychological support;
3. strengthen investigations and appropriately punish traffickers and complicit officials;
4. provide ongoing training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges in victim-centered approaches;
5. enhance the capacity of social workers in rural areas to support victims.

In conclusion, the report notes that Moldova has made important strides in combating human trafficking, but challenges such as resource shortages, limited victim support, and corruption continue to hinder progress. Urgent measures and additional investment are needed to strengthen victim protection and ensure accountability for traffickers.

The Prosecutor’s Office has pledged to intensify efforts through effective investigations, prosecution of traffickers and their accomplices — including officials — and to prioritize international cooperation and professional training for prosecutors to ensure a victim-centered approach. The institution will also collaborate with law enforcement, social services, and partner organizations to identify victims and provide necessary protection and support, including for foreign nationals on Moldovan territory, helping Moldova advance toward international standards in this field.