Romanian shelter operator Viorel Pașca faces DIICOT probe over alleged abuse of vulnerable residents

Viorel Pașca, who runs several shelters in Bihor County, Romania, remains active despite a DIICOT investigation that accuses him and his family of operating without proper authorisations, profiting from vulnerable people, and providing inadequate medical care. After a court rejected a request for his preventive detention, Pașca and his wife and three sons were placed under judicial control, and he announced plans to transfer ownership of the facilities to the residents to comply with the law.

Prosecutors allege that the Pașca family obtained income from residents, including alleged use of funeral assistance funds, and that some patients were left without necessary medication. Pașca denies the accusations, saying the shelters accept people other institutions refuse and that any conflicts among the 400 occupants are inevitable in such crowded settings. He also refutes claims of receiving municipal burial aid.

Commentary in Portuguese‑language media highlights the case as a contrast between private shelters and state-run care homes, suggesting Pașca’s centres offer better conditions while accusing authorities of double standards and politicisation of the investigation.