Romanian prosecutors have opened a new criminal investigation involving former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu over an alleged €1.1 million fraud scheme. Authorities say Georgescu and two other people are suspected of misleading a Romanian businessman with claims that they could help secure a multimillion-euro credit facility from a foreign financial institution.
Georgescu was taken in for questioning on Monday after prosecutors carried out searches at properties connected to him near Bucharest. The investigation adds another legal case to the former presidential candidate’s growing list of ongoing proceedings.
Prosecutors Investigate Alleged €1.1 Million Fraud
According to prosecutors, Georgescu and two other suspects allegedly worked together as an organized group and convinced a businessman from Romania’s Buzau county that they could arrange access to financing of up to €15 million.
Authorities allege that the businessman was persuaded to provide approximately €1.1 million based on those claims. Investigators are examining the alleged fraud as well as accusations involving the formation of an organized criminal group.
Police and prosecutors searched five locations in Bucharest and nearby areas, including Mogoșoaia, Ciolpani and Buftea. Georgescu was later taken to the headquarters of Romania’s organized crime prosecutors for questioning.
Georgescu did not provide comments to reporters about the allegations as he was being taken for questioning. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been established in court.
Georgescu Already Facing Other Legal Cases
The latest fraud investigation comes as Georgescu is already involved in two separate legal proceedings.
He is facing charges related to alleged attempts to disrupt Romania’s national security following the cancellation of the country’s 2024 presidential election. He is also on trial over allegations involving the promotion of figures associated with Romania’s fascist movement of the 1930s, which is prohibited under Romanian law. Georgescu has denied wrongdoing.
His political career became internationally prominent after he emerged as a leading candidate in Romania’s 2024 presidential election. The election was later canceled amid allegations of Russian interference. Russia has denied involvement.
Romania held a new presidential election in May 2025, which was won by pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan. Georgescu was subsequently barred from participating in the rerun.
Investigation Adds to Political and Legal Tensions
The new fraud case comes amid continued political divisions in Romania following the disputed 2024 election. Romanian authorities have previously investigated alleged attempts to influence voters through cyberattacks, online disinformation and activities linked by officials to pro-Russian propaganda networks.
Authorities have described these activities as part of broader hybrid threats targeting Romania’s democratic institutions. Moscow has rejected allegations that it was involved in such influence operations.
The latest investigation involving Georgescu is separate from those allegations and focuses on the alleged €1.1 million financial scheme. Prosecutors are continuing to examine the evidence and the roles of the three people involved.
