Abstract
This thesis examines human trafficking, organised crime and state fragility in the post-Soviet region through a comparative case study of Moldova and Transnistria. It focuses in particular on how weak governance, corruption, political fragmentation and limited economic prospects influence the dynamics of human trafficking, both in recognised states and in those that are not.
"Human trafficking remains a pervasive and complex global challenge, as well as a serious violation of human rights. According to the United Nations Palermo Protocol (2000), human trafficking includes acts such as the recruitment, transportation, transfer or harbouring of persons by means of coercion, force, deception or the exploitation of their vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation (UNODC, 2000).
Whilst this scourge affects all regions of the world to the extent that it has given rise to a global trafficking dynamic, this analysis will focus on Eastern Europe, and more specifically on Moldova and Transnistria (or Pridnestrovie, the name we will use throughout this work), where a combination of historical, political and economic factors makes it a crucial area for studying the mechanisms of trafficking within the context of regional realities. [...]
By exploring how external shocks such as regional conflicts indirectly affect trafficking patterns,
the research re-examines the theoretical approaches developed to explain human trafficking, such as those emphasising weak governance and institutions, the influence of organised crime and corruption, as well as quasi-states. [...]"
Extract
[...] Balmaceda, M. (2013), "Privatization and Elite Defection in De Facto States: The Case of Transnistria, 1991-2012." Communist and Post-Communist Studies 46 (4):445-54. Bârg?u, M. (2010), Criminologie, Chi?in?u. Blouchoutzi, A. and Pedi, R. (2023), In-betweenness and migration interdependence: Lessons from Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Studia Europejskie, pp.127-148. Bogdan, L. [...]
[...] Ukrainian refugees, who are well informed and organised, therefore appear to be less at risk, but vigilance remains necessary, particularly for minors and non-Ukrainian migrants. In these circumstances, it is essential to maintain awareness-raising efforts, balance aid between Ukrainian refugees and other groups in situation of vulnerability, and finally, strengthen cross-border cooperation for transit cases. With regard to cooperation between all stakeholders involved in combating human trafficking, the members of the NGOs surveyed collaborate with government institutions and their partners, including the Moldovan State Chancellery, which oversees a department dedicated to combating trafficking. [...]
[...] An independent advisory committee against corruption, composed of 50% representatives of Moldovan civil society and the international community, has been set up to monitor Moldovan public institutions. Despite these efforts, corruption remains the dominant theme in political debate, overshadowing other issues such as organised crime, where policies remain ineffective, not to mention the frequent misappropriation of public funds. Furthermore, cooperation between Moldovan public authorities and civil society remains limited, which weakens government transparency and hinders the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Furthermore, the lack of results on the ground raises concerns about the possible capture of the state by dominant criminal groups. [...]
[...] 342) show that by bypassing local authorities, this organisation distributed rents directly, financing infrastructure projects, school renovations, the construction of public health facilities and even a concrete factory, for an annual amount exceeding $60 million. However, by 2018, the heavily indebted NGO had mismanaged the funds. Russia's efforts to fight corruption thus failed, as the financial flows diverted by local elites were simply redirected to new clientelist networks based in Russia. Access to cheap energy is crucial for Pridnistrovia's survival. [...]
[...] Despite extensive international efforts, trafficking continues to thrive, particularly in contexts characterized by weak institutions, corruption, and economic instability (Shelley, 2007). Often described as a form of modern-day slavery, trafficking profoundly undermines human dignity, freedom, and autonomy. Its clandestine nature complicates accurate assessment and enforcement, as victims frequently remain invisible, isolated, or reluctant to seek assistance due to fear or mistrust. Furthermore, human trafficking networks adapt quickly to changing conditions, exploiting governance vacuums, emerging economic disparities, and shifting geopolitical dynamics to sustain their illicit operations. [...]
