The Republic of Moldova, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel (CT Travel) Programme, has inaugurated the new headquarters of its Passenger Information Unit (PIU), strengthening the country's ability to identify and stop cross-border crimes including human trafficking networks before they occur and enhancing national security while facilitating safe cross-border travel.
"The inauguration of the Passenger Information Unit headquarters is an important step in the state's ability to anticipate risks and protect the security of citizens," stated Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin. "We are investing in modern infrastructure, digital tools, and well-trained people so that decisions are based on accurate data and the authorities' response is rapid and coordinated, for the benefit of every citizen of the Republic of Moldova."
Based within the General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP), the PIU brings key services under one roof so that alerts can be assessed faster and acted on sooner. The Unit combines expertise from Moldova's Border Police, National Police, Customs Service, and the Security and Intelligence Service.
"This inauguration marks a significant milestone for Moldova's commitment to strengthening border security, migration governance, and international cooperation," said IOM Chief of Mission in Moldova, Ester Ruiz de Azua. "It not only enhances national security and institutional resilience but also reflects Moldova's alignment with EU accession principles."
The PIU is equipped with the United Nations' advanced "goTravel" software and strengthened operational and technical capacities for passenger data collection, analysis, and rapid response. Moldova becomes the seventh country to adopt this system, following Norway, Luxembourg, Botswana, Georgia, the Philippines and Mongolia.
"The establishment of the PIU marks a significant step in strengthening our national security and aligning the Republic of Moldova with European standards in passenger information management. We are grateful to our international partners, the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism, for their support and continued cooperation," mentioned the Head of the General Inspectorate of Border Police, Ruslan Galușca.
The CT Travel Programme assists Member States in leveraging passenger information in line with international standards, privacy laws, and human rights principles. Led by UNOCT, the Programme is implemented through a 'One-UN' partnership with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations Office of Information and Communication Technology (UNOICT), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and IOM.
"The year 2025 marked a transformative year that elevated Moldova as a successful model for implementation and partnership in the region and beyond," said Ms. Christine Erika Bradley, Head of the Countering Terrorist Travel Section, Special Projects and Innovation Branch, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) "This milestone reflects Moldova's unwavering commitment to strengthening its border security and counter-terrorism capabilities in line with international standards and UN Security Council resolutions."
About the CT Travel Programme
The Republic of Moldova joined the CT Travel Programme in 2021, signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022. The PIU began operations in a temporary location in February 2025, and the go Travel system went live in April 2025. Throughout this process, CT Travel worked closely with IOM Moldova to refurbish the permanent PIU building, provide equipment, and deliver specialized training for PIU staff.
