# Criminal investigations in Romania

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-investigations-in-romania
> Updated: 2026-08-12T09:40:55.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

Romanian authorities have launched investigations into several major criminal operations. DIICOT executed 60 search warrants across Neamț, Iași, and Suceava counties targeting two criminal groups of Romanian and Moldovan citizens accused of cigarette smuggling with international reach into Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In a separate investigation, authorities are looking into a real estate fraud scheme in Bucharest and surrounding areas. More than 50 victims reportedly lost an estimated 16 million lei after being sold the same apartments multiple times through the Oxy Residence 2 project. Investigators are examining charges of serious fraud and money laundering involving shell companies.

New developments indicate the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is now investigating a suspected €7 million fraud involving IT procurement projects funded by EU mechanisms, such as the PNRR. The probe is examining whether public tenders were manipulated to favor specific providers through the use of identical or copied documentation.

Additionally, other criminal probes have emerged, including a tax evasion scheme in the Moldovan construction sector involving over 7 million lei, and the arrest of former university rector Dănuț Epure in Constanța in connection with a continuous pimping investigation involving the rental of properties for prostitution.

## Claims

- Authorities executed 60 search warrants in Neamț, Iași, and Suceava counties. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Two organized crime groups, composed of Romanian and Moldovan citizens, were formed in Târgu Neamț. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The groups specialized in cigarette smuggling. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The criminal activity had a cross-border scope, including sales in Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The criminal activities began between 2024 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Various quantities of cigarettes were seized during the investigation. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Romania and Moldova face multiple major criminal investigations

Authorities in Romania and Moldova are investigating multiple major crimes, including a €7 million EU fund fraud, a massive real estate scam in Bucharest, transnational cigarette smuggling, and tax evasion.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/claudiu-nsui-questions-passage-of-proposed-wage-law

### 2026-07-31: Romania faces surge in counterfeit perfume harming consumers and market

Counterfeit perfumes in Romania cause consumer deception and economic losses, contributing to €3 billion EU cosmetics losses and a 7.9% sales drop in Romania.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-faces-surge-in-counterfeit-perfume-harming-consumers-and-market

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Cite as: Criminal investigations in Romania. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-investigations-in-romania