Organized Crime in Romania: A Growing Concern

Organized crime is a serious problem in Romania, with a wide range of criminal activities including human trafficking, money laundering, and drug trafficking. According to the latest statistics, Romania is one of the top countries in the European Union for organized crime, with a significant increase in the number of organized crime groups in recent years.

One of the most significant problems in Romania is human trafficking, which is a major concern for both the government and the international community. The country is a major source and transit point for human trafficking, with victims being trafficked to other countries in the EU for forced labour and sexual exploitation. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Romania is the second-highest country of origin for human trafficking victims in the EU, with 2,869 victims identified in 2018.

Drug trafficking is another significant problem in Romania, with the country being a major transit point for drugs being smuggled into the EU. The Romanian National Police have reported a significant increase in the number of drug-related arrests in recent years, with a total of 1,811 drug trafficking-related arrests made in 2018.

Money laundering is also a major concern in Romania, with the country being a major hub for money laundering activities in the EU. According to the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), Romania is one of the top countries in the EU for money laundering, with a significant increase in the number of money laundering-related arrests made in recent years.

The Romanian government is taking steps to combat organized crime in the country, with the National Anti-Organized Crime Directorate (DNA) being set up to investigate and prosecute organized crime groups. However, the problem is still significant, with organized crime groups continuing to operate in the country.

Overall, Romania is grappling with a rising tide of organized crime, encompassing illegal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Data indicates that Romania is among the EU countries with the highest rates of organized crime, with a noticeable rise in the number of criminal gangs in recent years. Despite efforts by the Romanian government to address the problem, it remains a significant concern in the country.