Prostitution in Moldova is an illegal activity but is widespread [1] and socially acceptable. Morals Police captain Vladimir Istrati is quoted as saying "Prostitution in Moldova is a very well organised crime, there is a precise structure of operation which includes secretary, office and owner. Nailing down prostitutes and pimps is easier. Prostitution in Transnistria is punishable only by a fine, but there is no such clause as in the Moldovan legislation.
Prostitutes in Moldova are known locally by a variety of names: [1]. Prostitution in Moldova was first recorded in the 2nd century BC. In the 19th century there is evidence of pimps being involved. The trade's existence was initially denied during the Soviet era and then prohibited July 27 Until May 31, , punishment was a fine or administrative arrest for up to 30 days, the administrative arrest was then replaced by unpaid work for a period of 20 to 40 hours.
On December 29, , it was decided that sanctions would not apply to victims of trafficking; The new law "On Offences" gave this rule a broader wording: "a person engaging in prostitution contrary to their will".
Since it is Europe's poorest country, it is a major exporter of human trafficking for the purpose of the sex trade. The United States Department of State issued a report in on human rights violations in Moldova [14] stating:. The country was also a transit country for victims trafficked from Ukraine to Romania. Women and girls were trafficked to Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Hungary, and the Balkan countries for prostitution. The IOM reported that the country was the main origin in Europe for women and children trafficked for forced prostitution.
The authorities have tried to lead awareness among the population about the extent of this problem, and during the early s the authorities launched numerous information campaigns. The caption read: "You are not for sale". Benjamin Skinner in his book "A Crime So Monstrous", on page , speculates that between and , up to , women were trafficked from Moldova.
