In Bucharest, Romania, six individuals are under detention under suspicion of conspiring with Russia to orchestrate a coup against the Romanian government, as revealed by the local police forces in this EU and NATO member nation. Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) captured the six suspects on Wednesday, citing their involvement in establishing a criminal group in 2023 with ties to Russia.
The authorities assert that this entity was created with the intent to subvert the Romanian state’s sovereignty and independence by politically weakening its defense systems. Intelligence services within Romania collaborated in the investigation, finding evidence that the group aspired to dismantle the existing constitutional framework, dissolve political parties, and form a new governing body with its members.
The Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) reported that the group had solicited assistance actively from officials within the Russian Federation Embassy to realize their destabilizing goals. The organization allegedly operated with a military-like hierarchy and planned to negotiate Romania’s exit from NATO, a move accompanied by proposing alternative national symbols, such as a revamped constitution, name, flag, and anthem.
The conspirators purportedly communicated with foreign agents situated in Romania and back in Russia. Police stated that two members of the group supposedly journeyed to Moscow in January, where they interacted with individuals endorsing their takeover aspirations. On Wednesday, the authorities executed raids across eight locations in Bucharest and other counties, seizing numerous pieces of evidence.
This action coincided with Romania expelling two military diplomats from the Russian embassy amidst rising tension with Moscow. Romania’s Foreign Affairs Ministry cited that the expulsion of Victor Makovskiy and Evgeni Ignatiev was due to activities conflicting with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations from 1961, although further details were not provided. According to SRI, the Russian diplomats had engaged in intelligence activities involving strategic interests and supported the anti-constitutional efforts of the group, although Russia had yet to respond.
On the same day, the Russian embassy criticized the expulsions as baseless and antagonistic, reserving the right for reciprocal actions.
Meanwhile, Russian media suggested that the EU was attempting interference in Romania’s presidential election. Reports mentioned instructions from Ursula von der Leyen to prevent frontrunner Calin Georgescu from contesting in the rerun scheduled for May, citing prior political success and allegations of Russian involvement. Georgescu has previously lauded President Vladimir Putin, however, he denies being pro-Russian.
Heightening political intrigue, Romanian prosecutors initiated an investigation into Georgescu, alleging support for fascist groups, incitement against constitutional order, and declarations concerning campaign funding and assets. An appeal by Georgescu challenging judicial control was refused by a court in Bucharest. He maintained his innocence, framing the proceedings as politically motivated at a recent court appearance.
Additionally, the European Court of Human Rights rejected a complaint by Georgescu contesting the annulment of the election, upholding the decision’s legality.
Authorities had earlier unraveled a cache of weapons and substantial cash during operations linked to Georgescu’s associates, exploring potential electoral fraud, illegal arm possession, and establishing organizations with extremist ideologies. The next election round is projected for May 4, and it remains uncertain if Georgescu will be eligible to partake. A runoff election would follow on May 18 if needed.
