Government discusses measures to combat organized crime for ensuring citizen security

The dynamics of organized crime over the last three years, legislative changes in this area, and the priority measures to be taken by authorities to ensure citizen security were discussed at a meeting of the National Coordination Council for the Prevention and Combat of Organized Crime, chaired by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The Prime Minister spoke about the importance of preventing and combating organized crime, which is an essential condition for national security, institutional resilience, and the European path of the Republic of Moldova.

"European integration means not only aligning with standards but also reflecting them in daily practice, in how we investigate, cooperate, manage information, and protect citizens' rights. We have the responsibility to maintain the pace of reforms, respond firmly to emerging risks, and demonstrate that the Republic of Moldova can operate at European standards," he said.

"When we talk about organized crime, we must bear in mind that there are no borders or distinctions between the online and physical space for this phenomenon. It is necessary to synchronize national efforts with European mechanisms, both in police and judicial cooperation, as well as in financial investigation and recovery of criminal assets. We will continue to act to enhance the security of citizens and the national economy and to integrate into the European security architecture," Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin said.

Fraud cases remain under the authorities' attention – recently, the number of phone calls in which alleged fraudsters falsely claim a relative's involvement in a traffic accident to request money has been reduced. Previously, about 60 people daily became victims of such actions, but thanks to prevention measures conducted by the police, the number has been reduced to about one case per month. Additionally, to stop fraud conducted through bank cards, activities to deactivate call centers belonging to criminal groups continue.

Another priority is combating drug trafficking – in the last two weeks, the police have seized drugs exceeding a value of 50 million lei. The sale of banned substances online, fraud committed on digital platforms, foreign interference, and disinformation remain challenges and priority areas for intervention by the authorities. Criminal groups heavily use digital tools, encryption, social networks, and electronic payments, and in response, institutions work on strengthening cyber architecture and blocking online infrastructures used to commit crimes.

Based on the discussions, the importance of developing technical capacities, strengthening international cooperation, and implementing the National Crime Prevention and Combat Program for 2026-2030 was emphasized as the main tool for modernization and alignment with European standards.