Romanian prosecutors Niță and Ștefan remain in pre‑trial detention over corruption charges

The High Court of Cassation and Justice has extended the preventive arrest of prosecutors Teodor Niță and Gigi Valentin Ștefan. Niță is charged with instigating abuse of office and extortion, while Ștefan faces accusations of traffic of influence. The court ordered a 30‑day extension, covering 14 July to 12 August 2026, and rejected their requests to replace detention with house arrest or judicial control.

Both prosecutors were initially detained on 15 May 2026 after investigators linked them to large sums of money—approximately €60,000 for Ștefan and multiple payments totalling over €110,000 for Niță—allegedly obtained in exchange for influencing other prosecutors, judges and public officials to secure favourable rulings in criminal, civil and administrative matters. The case continues under investigation, with the extended detention underscoring the seriousness of the alleged corruption within Romania’s judicial system.