Combating cross-border crime – priority for National Security Council of Moldova

Countering cross-border crime was on the agenda of a today’s meeting of the National Security Council (CNS), chaired by President Maia Sandu. The discussions focused on the main trends triggered by the intensification of this phenomenon – trafficking in weapons, drugs and human beings, as well as economic crime. The factors contributing to increased risks include the geographical position of Moldova, logistical disruptions caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and existing vulnerabilities on the Transnistrian segment.

In the context, the participants in the meeting highlighted the diversification of trafficking methods, including the use of postal parcels for the illegal transport of drugs. They also discussed attempts to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russia by transporting prohibited goods through organized crime networks.

Among the decisions adopted, there are the establishment of a permanent interinstitutional mechanism for strategic and operational coordination, as well as the mobilization of the necessary financial resources to counter cross-border criminal networks, particularly on the border segment with Ukraine and along the administrative line with the Transnistrian region.

The discussions also underlined the need to strengthen the capacities of the competent institutions, especially the Border Police and the Customs Service, through investments in human resources and modern equipment. At the same time, it was decided to accelerate the implementation of effective solutions for the control and traceability of parcels, particularly in order to prevent the trafficking of prohibited substances.

The measures adopted at the meeting of the National Security Council are part of the authorities’ ongoing efforts to prevent and combat risks to national security, with the aim of protecting the citizens of Moldova.