Romanian prosecutors carried out dozens of searches on Thursday, December 18, in a case targeting the illegal acquisition of Romanian citizenship through forged documents. Among the investigated beneficiaries are citizens of the Republic of Moldova, according to Antena3 CNN. The investigation uncovered a complex network involving lawyers from the Bucharest Bar Association, public officials, and intermediaries.
According to the source, prosecutors conducted around 40 searches in cases involving serious offenses, including forming an organized criminal group, material and intellectual forgery, use of forged documents, illegal access to computer systems, and disclosure of confidential information. Authorities also searched institutions in Bucharest Sector 6, particularly the Civil Status Service.
Romanian prosecutors claim that the criminal group, established in 2022, accessed databases in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to obtain or fabricate civil status documents. The group used these documents to falsely prove descent from former Romanian citizens. Romanian law allows descendants up to the third degree of former Romanian citizens from historical territories, including present-day Moldova, to regain citizenship. Investigators say the group abused this procedure by submitting forged documents.
According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, the group submitted more than 900 applications for Romanian citizenship in the first 11 months of this year alone. As a result, beneficiaries fraudulently obtained Romanian passports and EU citizenship. Investigators identified at least 89 fake citizenship certificates submitted to the Sector 6 City Hall.
Antena3 CNN reports that the case involves eight members of the organized criminal group, five lawyers, 14 public officials, and more than 100 additional suspects. Prosecutors continue the investigation.