Six Arrested in Romania Over Alleged Pro-Russia Coup Plot
BUCHAREST, Romania – Romanian authorities have detained six individuals suspected of plotting a coup against the government with alleged support from Russia. The arrests, made Wednesday, follow an investigation into a criminal group accused of attempting to undermine Romania's sovereignty and independence. The case has further strained relations between Bucharest and Moscow, leading to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats.
The suspects are accused of forming a criminal group in 2023 with the aim of destabilizing Romania's political and defense systems. According to Romania's anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, the group sought to "undermine the sovereignty and independence" of the Romanian state by "politically undermining the country's defense capacity." Investigations, supported by Romanian intelligence services, revealed that the group allegedly aimed to overthrow the current constitutional order, dissolve political parties, and install a new government composed of its members.
Authorities allege the group had a military-type structure and aimed to negotiate Romania's withdrawal from NATO, which it joined in 2004. They also sought the adoption of a new Constitution, country name, flag, and anthem. Prosecutors claim the suspects were in repeated contact with foreign agents located both in Romania and Russia. Two of the suspects allegedly traveled to Moscow in January and met with individuals who supported their efforts to seize power in Romania.
The investigation suggests the group actively sought support from officers within the Embassy of the Russian Federation to achieve their destabilizing objectives, according to the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI). The suspects, operating under the guise of a legitimate organization, allegedly recruited followers through online platforms.
On Wednesday, authorities raided eight homes in Bucharest and the surrounding counties, seizing what they described as "several pieces of evidence." The raids coincided with Romania's decision to expel two military diplomats from the Russian embassy for violating diplomatic rules under the Vienna Convention.
The timing of the arrests and expulsions comes ahead of Romania's presidential election in May. Calin Georgescu, a pro-Moscow, far-right candidate, is a leading contender, although his candidacy remains uncertain after a previous win was annulled due to suspected foreign interference. Georgescu is also under criminal investigation for allegedly supporting fascist groups, inciting actions against the constitutional order, and making false declarations regarding electoral campaign financing and asset disclosures. A court in Bucharest recently rejected his appeal challenging judicial control measures imposed on him. Georgescu maintains his innocence, claiming the case against him is politically motivated.
Prosecutors are seeking the arrest of four of the suspects, while the remaining two could be placed under house arrest. The suspects' names have not been officially disclosed. The investigation is ongoing.
The unfolding events have heightened tensions between Romania and Russia. Romania, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has been a vocal critic of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The alleged coup plot and the expulsion of Russian diplomats are likely to further strain relations between the two countries. The Kremlin has yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation.
The arrests and allegations have sparked concern among Romania's political establishment and its allies. The implications of a foreign power attempting to destabilize a NATO member state are significant, raising questions about the security and resilience of democratic institutions in the face of external interference. The investigation is expected to continue to uncover the full extent of the alleged plot and the individuals involved.
