Justice

Three detained in Moldova over Tajik migrant smuggling scheme to EU

Moldovan law enforcement officers dismantled a migrant smuggling network and detained three foreign and local nationals accused of trafficking citizens from Tajikistan into the European Union, prosecutors announced on Monday.

Forged papers and forced labor

The cross-border operation was conducted jointly by the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS), the Border Police, and the General Inspectorate for Migration. Investigators revealed that the suspects charged each migrant between €6,500 and €7,000 (approx. 127,000 to 137,000 MDL) for illegal transit services.

According to prosecutors, the ring provided migrants with counterfeit identity cards purportedly issued by Ukrainian authorities. The suspects then arranged illicit entry, domestic lodging, and subsequent transport toward Romania.

The network also assisted migrants in filing fraudulent asylum claims in Moldova to legitimize their stay temporarily. While awaiting transit to the EU, the individuals were allegedly compelled to work on residential construction sites across Chișinău.

Pre-trial detention requested

A court ordered 30 days of pre-trial detention for a 52-year-old female suspect accused of managing the supply of fraudulent travel documents.

Prosecutors have requested identical detention warrants for two alleged accomplices: a 48-year-old Moldovan national from Cantemir who collected payments, and a 51-year-old Armenian national who coordinated with document forgers.

The investigation remains ongoing to locate and prosecute all affiliated members of the trafficking network, PCCOCS said.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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