Corruption is declining in all areas, according to a survey called “Victimization and management of of crime in Moldova”. Corruption has diminished especially in the areas of health care, education and patrol police. The study's authors say that the massive investments made in recent years in fighting and preventing corruption are paying off.

According to the survey, corruption is the second most widespread crime in Moldova: 8% of respondents said that at least once an official solicited favors to solve a problem. However, the situation is improving. The survey shows that there are far fewer cases of police officers or doctors soliciting bribes, IPN reports.

“Whereas in 2009, 17% of respondents said they offered bribes in the health care sector, in 2021 the figure is 3.6%. In 2009, 8% of respondents said that they bribed the police in road traffic, and now the figure is 1.7%”, said Jean Redpath, international expert, author of the statistical data analysis report. The incidence of bribery in the education system has also decreased. Whereas in 2009, 8% of respondents said they offered bribes in schools, now the figure is 1.1%.

Among the most common crimes in Moldova, alongside corruption, is violence. “8.9% of respondents said they were victims of this crime. Ten years ago, people with higher incomes were more at risk of becoming victims of crime. In 2021, both very high-income and very low-income people are victims of crime,” said Jean Redpath.

The survey was conducted with the support of the Soros Foundation Moldova, on a sample of 4553 people, and has a margin of error of 1.5%. The Foundation promotes the values of an open society, supports democracy and innovative ideas.