On March 20, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) issued a robust response to accusations regarding the legality of searches conducted on supporters of former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu during ongoing investigations into voter corruption. The MAI emphasized that all actions performed by authorities strictly adhere to legal frameworks and the principles of the rule of law.
In a formal communication, the MAI asserted that the Minister of Internal Affairs does not hold the authority to order searches or other criminal activities; such operations are executed solely under judicial supervision and based on warrants obtained from the appropriate courts. The Ministry clarified that the searches in question were thoroughly authorized by judges based on compelling evidence and reasonable suspicions, aligning with the stipulations of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
In connection to the ongoing case surrounding Călin Georgescu, the MAI sought to disprove claims regarding the allegedly illegal nature of these searches. The Ministry's declaration expressed, "Any reasonable suspicion, founded on evidence and indications regarding the perpetration of criminal acts, necessitates the initiation of criminal investigations under current legislation." This assertion emphasizes the procedural requirements that must be met before such actions can occur.
Specifically addressing the recent searches targeting supporters of Georgescu, the MAI noted that these efforts have been aimed exclusively at documenting the alleged criminal activities of individuals—denying any political motivations behind the actions. The statement underscored, "These investigations do not and cannot possess political character; they are strictly judicial and legal in nature." This reassurance seeks to mitigate concerns surrounding the potential for political bias in such law enforcement actions.
Simultaneously, a dramatic scene unfolded in Dumbrăvița, a locality near Timișoara, where police activities intersected with highly publicized incidents involving Alin Borcan, a TikTok influencer known for his support of Georgescu. Following a police search at his residence, Borcan was seen departing his home brandishing an airsoft gun. His actions escalated tensions, particularly when he threatened journalists present at the scene.
Upon exiting his residence, Borcan made aggressive declarations, including, "I came to kill those who left earlier," referring to the prosecutors who conducted the searches. He further instructed a journalist to refrain from approaching, stating, "I’ll confuse you with them and shoot at you." Such threatening behavior prompted police action, leading to Borcan being fined 5,000 lei and the confiscation of his airsoft weapon, aligned with Law 295/2004 concerning arms regulations.
Authorities have indicated that these recent legal actions are part of a broader investigative effort involving 17 residential searches throughout various regions, including Bucharest and multiple counties such as Brașov, Botoșani, and Timiș, all linked to allegations of voter corruption in the context of Georgescu's campaign debates. Prosecutors are examining potential connections between influencers like Borcan, Bogdan Peșchir, and Virgil Zidaru (known as Makaveli) and claims of illicit funding for promoting Georgescu.
The financial aspects of the investigation point toward Peșchir, who purportedly financed Călin Georgescu’s campaign with upwards of 380,000 euros, primarily through donations made via TikTok. Reports from the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) suggest that Peșchir linked his funding activities to external sources, possibly hinting at international connections, including entities based in Russia.
Furthermore, documents released by the SRI during an extraordinary session of the National Defense Council indicated Peșchir’s extensive financial involvement in promoting Georgescu on social media platforms. As part of the ongoing investigations, officials are looking into the legality of these financial contributions and the potential implications for both the influencers involved and the electoral integrity of Romania.
As part of the investigation into the voter corruption case, law enforcement officials also searched the vehicle of Hajar Ziad, a businessman residing in Timișoara. Reports indicate that police found lethal weapons and cartridges within his car, adding further complexity to an already volatile situation involving the influencers professing support for Georgescu.
Pressure is mounting as police actions aim not only to expose potential wrongdoing but also to uphold public confidence in the integrity of Romanian electoral processes. Georgescu remains under judicial oversight, facing potential legal ramifications for alleged electoral fraud.
His candidacy has been banned, with restrictions imposed including a prohibition on leaving the country or posting content that may incite political unrest.
The pervasive threat of misinformation has compelled the MAI to encourage the public to trust institutional processes and highlight the legal recourse available for individuals who believe they have faced unjust measures. In a bid to rebuild confidence, the Ministry reiterated that the state’s actions are driven neither by political agendas but by the imperative of law enforcement.
As the investigation unfolds, the involvement of various social media influencers in political campaigns raises critical questions about accountability, manipulation of online platforms for political gain, and the ramifications of public conduct under scrutiny from both law enforcement and public opinion. The coming days will likely reveal further developments as authorities continue to examine the operational frameworks surrounding the controversial support networks affiliated with candidates like Călin Georgescu.
