American actor Jean-Claude Van Damme has become embroiled in a serious criminal investigation in Romania, linked to a human trafficking case that has raised significant concerns about the exploitation of minors. The Romanian Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime (DIICOT) confirmed that Van Damme is a suspect in a case that has been ongoing since 2022, involving an alleged criminal network that recruited young girls for sexual exploitation.
The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed on March 31, 2025, by a 26-year-old woman who claims that ten years ago in Cannes, she, along with four other girls, was exploited by the actor. According to her testimony, these girls were allegedly provided to Van Damme by a Romanian businessman named Morel Bolya, who owns the Kasta Morrely modeling agency.
Van Damme, now 64, is accused of using the services of minors for his sexual gratification, a charge that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The Romanian prosecutor's office has indicated that the actor faces serious allegations under three specific articles: using the services of an exploited person, participating in a criminal organization, and human trafficking.
According to reports, the criminal activities are said to have occurred over a lengthy period, from 2000 to 2016, during which several minors were allegedly recruited through Bolya's agency. The prosecutor's office has identified at least five victims, all of whom were reportedly subjected to psychological coercion and manipulation.
Lawyer Adrian Cuculis, representing the interests of the victims, has stated that the case involves international dimensions, hinting at the involvement of other notable figures from the world of entertainment. Cuculis noted, "Jean-Claude Van Damme is accused of using the services of individuals who are in a state of exploitation, in accordance with Article 182 of the Criminal Code." He further elaborated that the investigation reveals a broader network of exploitation that has yet to be fully uncovered.
The allegations against Van Damme echo a previous investigation launched by the Belgian prosecutor's office in 2022, following claims from a woman who accused him of attempting to force her into sexual activity in a bar in Brussels. Van Damme has denied these allegations, but the resurfacing of such accusations now casts a shadow over his legacy.
Morel Bolya, the businessman at the center of the recruitment claims, was arrested in November 2022 and is already facing charges related to the trafficking of minors. He allegedly facilitated the exploitation of young girls by providing them to clients, including Van Damme. The investigation into Bolya's activities has revealed the existence of a larger criminal scheme that has operated under the guise of a modeling agency.
Reports indicate that the Romanian authorities are continuing to investigate the scale of this criminal operation, with DIICOT actively pursuing leads and gathering evidence. The agency has confirmed that they are examining the testimonies of multiple victims and witnesses, which could potentially lead to further charges against other individuals involved.
As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals within the entertainment industry. The exploitation of young girls, particularly through modeling agencies, is a serious issue that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Advocates for victims of trafficking argue that more stringent regulations and oversight are necessary to prevent such abuses from occurring.
Van Damme, who gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s for his roles in iconic action films such as "Bloodsport," "Kickboxer," and "Universal Soldier," has seen his career overshadowed by these allegations. His representatives have yet to comment on the ongoing investigation, leaving fans and the public awaiting further developments.
This case not only impacts Van Damme's career but also highlights the broader societal issues surrounding human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. As the investigation progresses, it is clear that the ramifications of these allegations will be felt far beyond the individual actors involved.
In a world where the entertainment industry often seems detached from the realities faced by many, this case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist and the urgent need for systemic changes to protect those at risk. The coming weeks and months will be critical as more information emerges and the legal proceedings unfold, potentially leading to significant consequences for all parties involved.
