Authorities Dismantle Trafficking Operation in Eastern Europe, Rescue Two Survivors
In Romania, a 57-year-old man allegedly spent five years trafficking two women in Eastern Europe and forcing them into being sexually exploited for his profit. According to Romanian authorities, in 2020 he began targeting women who came from at-risk situations, including family challenges, poverty, and health obstacles. The accused man exploited these vulnerabilities to draw them into a closed-off private club, where he maintained control and forced them into sexual acts with multiple individuals.
Prosecutors say that the man operated the club as a front for commercial sexual exploitation. He allegedly encouraged the women to use psychoactive substances in an effort to mask the trauma and increase dependence, while profiting from the repeated abuse.
Our Rescue supported the preparation for police action. Our in-country team provided technical equipment, training, and investigative support to local partners, and were on standby to provide any survivor support to the survivors on their road to healing.
On May 14, 2025, Romanian police conducted an operation to search the club and rescue any survivors inside. This resulted in the rescue of two survivors and the identification of several individuals attending a private event. Officers extracted the women and secured the scene. Investigators seized over 223,000 lei, various foreign currencies, a white powdery substance now under investigation, and other evidence pointing to ongoing criminal activity.
On scene, police arrested the suspect for criminal prosecution. The operation was led by DIICOT prosecutors in collaboration with the Romanian anti-trafficking police and the Special Intervention Brigade of the Gendarmerie.
This case represents the first time our team was on the ground during an active operation in Romania. We anticipate this partnership is the beginning of ongoing collaboration, training, and support with authorities in the region.
Officials confirmed that the survivors were given illicit narcotics during their exploitation and Our Rescue is standing by to support long-term survivor care, if needed, including access to drug rehabilitation.
Our Rescue commends the Romanian law enforcement agencies for their leadership, and we remain committed to supporting our partners around the world in confronting trafficking, empowering local response teams, and helping survivors begin a path toward healing, one case at a time.