Romanian authorities arrest six for treason, including 101-year-old general

Investigators say the suspects formed an organized group in 2023 with the goal of undermining Romania’s sovereignty and independence. Authorities allege the group worked systematically to weaken the country’s defense capabilities through political means.

Officials say the group operated in a “military-style structure” and aimed to seize power and dismantle political parties. The suspects allegedly had multiple contacts with “agents of a foreign power” both inside Romania and in Russia. Investigators say they also traveled to Russia several times to inform contacts there about their plans to take power in Romania.

The group reportedly recruited supporters through social media, where they called for Romania’s withdrawal from NATO and advocated for restoring economic and cultural ties with Russia, China, and Iran.

Among the suspects is World War II veteran Radu Theodoru, a retired major general now facing charges.

The arrests follow an earlier high-profile case in Romania. On Feb. 26, authorities detained former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu, taking him in for questioning at the general prosecutor’s office. His bodyguard, Marin Burcea, was also taken into custody for questioning. Authorities have banned Georgescu from leaving the country.

On Feb. 28, Romania’s general prosecutor’s office arrested 18 people in a case linked to Georgescu.

Georgescu secured 22.94% of the vote in the first round of Romania’s presidential election on Nov. 24, 2024, advancing to the runoff. However, on Nov. 28, Romania’s Constitutional Court ordered a recount of all first-round ballots. The election results were later annulled.

Following the election controversy, Romania’s National Security Council accused Russia of running a large-scale campaign to support the pro-Russian candidate.