Romanian Prosecutors Raid Georgescu Home

Romanian prosecutors have opened a new criminal investigation involving Calin Georgescu, the leading candidate in the country’s annulled 2024 presidential election, over an alleged €1.1m ($1.3m) fraud and the formation of an organized criminal group.

Investigators searched Georgescu’s home on Monday after stopping him in traffic and taking him back to the property. He was later taken to the headquarters of Romania’s organized crime prosecution agency, DIICOT, for questioning.

Prosecutors allege that three people formed an organized criminal group in 2021 and deceived Romanian businessmen by claiming they could arrange financing from foreign financial institutions.

In one case, a businessman was allegedly persuaded to transfer more than €1m ($1.2m) as a guarantee for a €6m ($7.1m) loan. He later transferred another €100,000 ($118,000) after being told the financing could be increased to €15m ($17.7m). Prosecutors put the total alleged loss at more than €1.1m ($1.3m).

Georgescu is already on trial in two separate criminal cases. One concerns alleged complicity in an attempt to carry out actions against Romania’s constitutional order, while the other involves allegations of promoting fascist figures and organizations. He has denied wrongdoing.

Romania’s December 2024 presidential election was annulled following intelligence reports alleging a coordinated influence campaign and cyberattacks surrounding the vote. Georgescu, who unexpectedly finished first in the opening round, has described the annulment and subsequent proceedings against him as politically motivated.

The rerun election in May 2025 was won by pro-European candidate Nicusor Dan.

(Reuters, max)