Police officers and prosecutors from the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) carried out 106 operations nationwide during the first half of 2025, resulting in the dismantling of 11 organized criminal groups, according to a statement from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
"The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons reminds us that this phenomenon remains one of the most severe forms of crime - a direct attack on human rights and dignity. Human trafficking is not just a security issue, it is a major threat to society, particularly affecting the most vulnerable - children, women, and individuals without resources or support. Every action we take serves one goal: saving lives. We will continue to fight criminal networks relentlessly and protect victims unconditionally," said Predoiu, according to a Ministry of Internal Affairs press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.
During the same period, 288 individuals were indicted for committing 610 offenses, following indictments and plea agreements issued by DIICOT prosecutors.
Authorities conducted 396 home searches, 118 vehicle searches, and executed 411 arrest warrants, 43 of which were part of large-scale operations.
"Specialized units have acted not only to combat human trafficking but also to prevent and detect risk situations early, including among foreign citizens and refugees. These efforts were carried out in collaboration with the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (ANITP), the General Inspectorate of Border Police, the General Inspectorate for Immigration, local social assistance and child protection departments, as well as NGOs, to promptly verify any reports of human trafficking," reads the release.
Minister Predoiu emphasized that victims are the reality behind the statistics, and that as many as 326 victims of trafficking were registered through the Integrated System for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Victims of Trafficking in Persons (SIMEV), managed by ANITP and the Romanian Police.
Of these, 42% were minors, 79% women (some of them underage), and 59% had only lower secondary education - a clear indicator of how vulnerability is fueled by a lack of education and opportunity.
"Providing assistance to trafficking victims is essential to their recovery and social reintegration. This includes specialized legal support throughout judicial proceedings and psychological counseling tailored to their trauma. When necessary, victims receive financial aid and immediate material support. Such protection and assistance are vital to restoring dignity and offering a chance at a normal life," Predoiu said.
He added that all these efforts align with Romania's 2024-2028 National Strategy Against Human Trafficking, which sets out clear directions for prevention, investigation, and victim support.
The 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report confirms Romania's progress in the field while also highlighting the ongoing need to enhance victim support and strengthen international cooperation.
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