Moldova suffers from a relatively high crime rate and especially with problems arising from organised crime. There is some risk from street crime which can potentially become violent. In addition, Moldova is a trans-shipment point for illegal drugs to Western Europe and a source and transit nation in the trafficking in human beings, in particular women and girls into forced prostitution.

The legal system is still heavily influenced from the Soviet period. The judicial system is based on a network of local courts and higher-level appeal courts, with the Supreme Court as the highest court. The role of defence attorneys is limited and judges do not have a tradition of political impartiality and independence.