Romanian prosecutors carried out five searches, including at the home of former presidential candidate Kelin Georgescu, as part of an investigation into the formation of an organised criminal group and fraud resulting in particularly serious consequences. According to DIICOT, the victim transferred over 1.1 million euros as a guarantee for a promised loan. Following the investigative measures, Georgescu was taken to the agency’s central office for questioning.
Briefly about the main points
- DIICOT carried out investigative operations at five addresses in Romania.
- Following a search, Kelina Georgescu was taken to Bucharest for questioning.
- Prosecutors are investigating a suspected organised crime group and fraud.
- According to the investigation, the victim transferred the funds in order to obtain loans.
- The complaint in this case was lodged by the entrepreneur Razvan Leu in 2024.
Searches at four locations and questioning in Bucharest
Prosecutors from DIICOT and the police carried out investigative operations in Bucharest, Mogoșoaia, Câlpani and Bufta. According to Digi24, Georgescu was stopped in Otopeni whilst on his way to the gym, after which he was taken to his home whilst the search was carried out.
Once the search was over, the politician was taken to DIICOT’s central office in Bucharest. His supporters gathered outside the building; some of them chanted «Freedom» and «Kelín is innocent».
Digi24 also reported that during a search of the property Georgescu Investigators found a document that allegedly confirmed his status as a Maltese senator, as well as a signal-jamming device.
The investigation’s version of events regarding guarantees for loans that were not granted
According to DIICOT, in September 2021, two Romanian nationals and one Italian national set up a group that operated in Romania and the United Kingdom. Prosecutors believe that its leader was a 64-year-old Romanian national, identified as Georgescu.
The investigation alleges that those involved in the scheme posed as wealthy businessmen and offered entrepreneurs funding from foreign banks on condition that they provided cash guarantees. One of the victims was allegedly promised a loan of 6 million euros, after which he transferred over 1 million euros.
Subsequently, according to the prosecutors, the victim was persuaded to transfer a further 100,000 euros, having been promised that the funding would be increased to 15 million euros. DIICOT states that the funds caused the victim losses amounting to over 1.1 million euros. The complaint, which formed the basis for the proceedings, was lodged by the businessman Razvan Leu in 2024.
According to DIICOT, 1 million euros was transferred to the account of an entity registered in the Commonwealth of Dominica at a Swiss bank. Prosecutors also claim that 100,000 euros was earmarked for the election campaign of the group’s alleged leader.
Other matters and the political context surrounding Georgescu
According to Digi24, Georgescu has already been brought before the court in two criminal cases. One of them concerns allegations of attempting to violently overthrow the constitutional order following the annulment of the 2024 election results; the other concerns pro-foreign propaganda.
Georgescu won the first round of the 2024 presidential election, but the results were annulled due to signs of Russian interference. He was barred from standing for re-election. The politician described the persecution as politically motivated and announced his withdrawal from politics.
