Bucharest police raids target rival Ștoacă and Toboșarii clan gangs

On 17 June 2026 Romanian police carried out a large‑scale operation in Bucharest and Ilfov, executing 21 search warrants and 22 summons against two organised‑crime groups, the Ștoacă and Toboșarii clans. The investigation concerns repeated acts of extortion, intimidation, violations of weapons regulations and violent clashes over control of the Ferentari and Giurgiului neighbourhoods. Authorities seized firearms, knives, axes, Molotov‑cocktail devices and documented arson of street sections and damage to vehicles.

The raids followed a June 16 street shoot‑out in Sector 4 that left ten gunshots fired, injuries and a wave of public fear. Six suspects were detained after police intercepted them with a hatchet and a pistol. Prominent figures named in the case include Bebică Ștoacă, Șaim Petre (aka “Petrica Ștoacă”), Erick Toboșaru and Barângă Antonio Laris. Prosecutors say the groups also used threats to extract financial benefits from residents.

The operation highlights ongoing tensions between the two rival clans, which have long contested territory and illegal gambling venues in the capital. Police say the raids aim to curb the groups’ ability to dominate local neighbourhoods and restore public safety.