Moldova to establish facial image registry for law enforcement

The Moldovan government has approved the creation of a facial image registry, a new electronic system designed to assist authorities in criminal investigations and the search for missing persons. The system will allow for the automated comparison of photographs to identify suspects, locate missing individuals, and establish the identities of deceased persons.

Managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the registry will be technically administered by the Information Technology Service and the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Service. Data will be provided by several institutions, including the Police, Border Police, General Inspectorate for Migration, Public Services Agency, Intelligence and Security Service, National Administration of Penitentiaries, and the National Anticorruption Center.

Access to the registry will be strictly restricted to authorized personnel with legal duties related to criminal investigation or police cooperation. To prevent misuse and false identifications, all automated results must be verified by qualified staff. The system is also designed to facilitate international cooperation through automated data exchange with foreign authorities in accordance with European norms.