In the first half of this year, there were trafficked 167 grownups, 107 of whom were women, while 60 were men. The trafficked persons were aged between 18 and 35. The women are trafficked especially for providing sexual services, while the men for labor exploitation.
The number of trafficked minors decreased to 11. Ten of the victims were girls. The minors are trafficked for begging and street offenses, for taking their organs, etc. Fourteen criminal cases over trafficking in minors were started last year.
Senior consultant of the same Committee Ala Vechiu said the victims of trafficking are mainly persons from socially deprived families. The identification of the trafficked persons was possible owing to the improved work capacity of the law enforcement bodies.
According to the two specialists, 39 persons were sentenced to 5 to 12 years in jail for trafficking in children. Of them, 33 are men, while six are women. A number of 11 persons were convicted of trafficking in grownups. Of them, 65 are men, while 46 are women. The punishment is 5 to 12 and 13 to 15 years behind bars. As many as 33 persons were sentenced to over 15 years’ imprisonment.
Of the convicted persons, 95% are citizens of Moldova.
The participants in the program said the persons who are trafficked can seek help on the “La Strada” hotline 0800 77777.
The program centered on trafficking-related issues in connection with the World Day against Trafficking in Persons that is marked on July 30.
