OSAC - Moldova 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Criminal activity in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, remains similar to that of a mid-sized American city, with slightly lower violent crime. Street crimes and residential burglaries occur, with property crimes and crimes of opportunity accounting for the majority of incidents. Poor or non-existent street lighting and limitations on police resources create a favorable environment for criminal elements.

Few reports of expatriate-related muggings and break-ins exist, and the few that do indicate that the perpetrators are rarely armed, choosing instead to rely on stealth, speed and/or physical strength to accomplish their goals. Alcohol is frequently involved. Street criminals tend to stalk their victims, selecting unwary targets and then physically overpowering them to take the victims valuables. Poorly lit streets and walking alone after dark should be avoided. Perpetrators tend to assess their targets carefully, move quickly, and avoid confrontation. Door locks, alarm systems, good exterior lighting, and window grills/metal shutters on all floors are an effective tool to mitigate crime.

In 2007, Embassy residential areas of Chisinau continued to experience break-ins and physical assaults. These residential areas are considered the most affluent in the city and include the residences of diplomats, expatriate private business leaders, and Moldovan government officials. Several residential break-ins and vehicle vandalism (stolen side mirrors, scratching/keying, etc.) were reported. Police suspect that criminal elements continue to conduct surveillance in these neighborhoods to identify residences with weak security features. While most of the break-ins were perpetrated while occupants were away, some residences were entered during the early morning hours while occupants were sleeping.

Police have also indicated that between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., lone females are actively targeted in these neighborhoods, usually by one or two males seeking to steal personal property via physical assault. Physical assaults of a sexual nature are rare.

One of the most popular street crimes is pick-pocketing, especially in crowded markets and buses. Theft of items from automobiles has also occurred throughout the day. Using car alarms and securing valuables out of sight in a parked car are recommended. Off-street parking in garages or driveways should also be used for overnight parking. Train and bus services are below Western European standards and some U.S. citizens have been victims of crimes involving thefts while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova. Americans who use the Moldovan postal service report frequent losses of international letters and package mail.

Scams against expatriates and foreign nationals continue to increase, and this is especially true for frauds related to the Internet. The Embassy is aware of various confidence schemes that have taken advantage of Americans, frequently via the Internet. One example involved an American buyer who paid for an item bought through the Internet but did not receive the item from the Moldovan seller. Another case involved an American who sold items to a Moldovan buyer but did not receive payment for the sold item. In the spring of 2006, Moldovan police recovered over $250,000 in jewelry that was sent to buyers in Moldova from the U.S. via fake on-line escrow companies. Substantial criminal enterprises specializing in this type of crime (Internet auction fraud) are emerging in Moldova.

In 2007, the Embassy became aware of an on-line scheme involving bogus commercial solicitations and business offers. In such cases, U.S. companies are randomly contacted by a Moldovan “agent” claiming to have a contract with the Government of Moldova to source suppliers for government procurements. Companies are asked to send an invoice, a copy of the registration certificate and a fee to an individual located outside of Moldova. On several occasions, a fictitious Government of Moldova agency (Department of Home Affairs) has been used in correspondence to execute the scam.

In other cases, American citizens, particularly males, have met potential Moldovan fiancés on the Internet who have convinced them to send hundreds or even thousands of dollars, when the females have no intention of engaging in a serious relationship. Once the American citizen starts to question the reason for sending the money, the Moldovan fiancé suddenly ends contact. On occasion, American citizens who come to Moldova to visit someone they first met over the Internet have reported becoming subject to crimes such as extortion and involuntary detention. American citizens should be aware that any such activity committed by individuals in Moldova is subject to the Moldovan legal system. In the vast majority of cases, there is little that the U.S. Embassy can do to assist American citizens who are defrauded by Moldovans via the Internet.

In addition, the police have advised the Embassy of several cases involving local prostitutes who have drugged and robbed foreign “clients.” Such instances typically involve the use of a chemical agent surreptitiously placed in the client’s alcoholic beverage, which quickly results in the loss of consciousness (10-15 hours). Once unconscious, the client’s personal belongings are stolen. According to the police, such activity is often organized and managed by local criminal groups. It should be noted that prostitution is illegal in Moldova.

Precautions should also be taken when using ATM machines in Moldova. Some Americans have reported unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts after using ATMs. Instances have been reported of PIN theft from use of ATMs in Moldova either by “skimming” devices, which record the ATM card information while in use, or by observation.

Organized criminal (OC) activity, both local and transnational in nature, exists in Moldova but is limited. Most casinos and “strip/adult clubs” are operated by OC elements. However, street-level OC violence is rare and does not affect expatriate areas. In the rural Moldovan countryside, criminal activity is limited. In large towns outside the capital, criminal activity is similar to the levels in Chisinau.

A separatist regime controls the Transdnistrian region, a narrow strip of land in eastern Moldova. The U.S. and other countries do not recognize this regime. Since the central government of Moldova does not control Transdnistria and Embassy relations with Transdnistrian authorities are limited, the provision of consular assistance to American citizens cannot be ensured in the region. Travelers should exercise caution in visiting or transiting the area. Travelers should be aware that there are numerous checkpoints along the roads in and out of the Transdnistrian region. These checkpoints are manned by heavily armed Russian Federation soldiers. It is important that all travelers to this region adhere to posted signs and directions from local authorities at these checkpoints. As an example of the potential for collateral damage in this region, in the summer of 2006 grenades exploded on two buses in the capital of Transdnistria, Tiraspol, which resulted in several deaths.

Gang violence, terrorist acts, armed robbery and political violence are not currently major threats within Moldova. No political demonstrations occurred this past year near the Embassy, and no political violence was reported. Violent acts between OC groups, including the use of improvised explosive devices, occur periodically and can injure individuals other than the target(s).

Earthquake activity in the region is the primary concern related to natural disasters. Deep, sub-crust earthquakes, capable of producing damage more than 300 miles away, can occur near the Carpathian Mountains in Romania and be felt in Moldova. In the event of a major infrastructure catastrophe, it is unlikely that Moldovan emergency services would be able to provide adequate assistance quickly.

Moldova’s highway infrastructure consists mainly of two-lane roads that often lack markings or signage, and are unevenly maintained with poor lighting. Caution should be taken to prevent collisions with agricultural vehicles and/or livestock. Urban roads in Moldova are infrequently maintained and may lack clear signs or lane markings. Travel outside of urban areas before dawn and after dusk should be avoided. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which are commonplace. The quality and safety of public transportation varies widely. Trains, trolleybuses, and buses are often old and may break-down. Taxis are available in most urban areas, and vary from old Soviet-era vehicles to newer-model vehicles. Only licensed and registered taxis should be utilized. Road rage is common throughout Moldova and several altercations (physical fights) were reported in 2007.

Racially motivated incidents against foreigners and persons of color have occurred in Moldova. Persons of African, Asian or Arab heritage may be subject to various types of harassment, such as verbal abuse, and denied entrance into some clubs and restaurants.

Most police are underpaid and ill-equipped. “Shakedowns” remain possible, especially by individuals in plain-clothes identifying themselves as police officers. If approached by an individual claiming to be a police officer, request identification immediately. Police routinely stop and question individuals, particularly those who appear “foreign”. Identification papers (passports) are often checked and should be carried at all times. Individuals who become the victim of a crime in Chisinau can contact the police at telephone number 902. The ability to report the problem in either Russian or Romanian is essential. Police are normally professional, but limited resources affect the police’s ability to respond.

Emergency assistance (ambulance) in the event of a medical emergency can be reached in Chisinau via telephone number 903. Russian or Romanian language ability is critical. Medical care in Moldova is substandard throughout the country, including in Chisinau. In the event of serious medical conditions every effort should be made to go to Western Europe. Hospital accommodations are inadequate throughout the country and advanced medical technology is lacking. Shortages of routine medications and supplies may be encountered. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The national health care structure would not be able to provide adequate assistance to the general population in the event of an Avian Influenza pandemic.

Visitors should exercise the same security precautions they would in any large American metropolitan area: stay alert, do not be predictable, remain aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. Also, avoid “standing out” as an American and remember that most difficulties affecting visitors have occurred at night and involve alcohol. Property and Internet-related crime (as described above) remains the major criminal activity affecting foreigners in Moldova. Keep valuables out of sight, secure your vehicle and practice a heightened sense of awareness while on-line.

The American Embassy is located at 103 Mateevici Street in Chisinau. In emergency situations, U.S. citizens can contact the Consular Officer (during business hours, 0900 - 1800 hours, Monday - Friday) or the Embassy duty officer (after business hours) via telephone: 373-22-408-300. The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer (RSO) can be reached at the same number for further security-related information.

Moldova 2008 Crime & Safety Report

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