A Passenger Information Unit (PIU) was created within the Border Police. The subdivision will play a key role in collecting, storing and processing the data in the Passenger Name Record, which will contain information collected from airlines. The unit will not replace the border control carried out by police teams, but comes to support it by providing information that can indicate possible risks in time, IPN reports.
At the launch event, Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin said that for people, such a unit means safer borders, increased protection and safer travel, without affecting the fundamental rights and freedoms.
The Passenger Information Unit was operationalized with the support of international partners. In this regard, Ruiz de Azua Ester, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Republic of Moldova, stressed the importance of this initiative. According to her, a strategic project marks a new beginning in strengthening the national security of the Republic of Moldova and supporting international cooperation in preventing and combating cross-border crime.
"In supporting this effort in close coordination with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the General Inspectorate of Border Police, IOM continues its commitment to provide assistance to ensure safe and regular pathways," noted Ruiz de Azua Ester.
For his part, the head of the General Border Police Inspectorate Ruslan Galușca stressed that all the European states have already implemented such systems for the security of their borders. Now, the Republic of Moldova is taking this necessary step to align itself with international standards. The experience of other countries showed that the use of these mechanisms leads to improved border control, faster identification of risks and increased level of air security.
The Border Police Sector "Chisinau International Airport" is one of the most important state border crossing points, with a constantly increasing flow of passengers. The institution noted that this reality requires not only strict security measures, but also a more advanced analysis and prevention system.
"The PIU subdivision will actively contribute to the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and transnational crimes, while ensuring the exchange of data with similar units in other states and with Europol, in strict accordance with the rules on the protection of personal data," reads a press release.
