Romania probes pro-Russian presidential candidate as six arrested for coup plot

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Romanian authorities are investigating far-right, pro-Russian politician Calin Georgescu over allegations of working against the constitutional order, spreading misinformation and supporting extremist organisations.

The probe follows the annulment of the 2024 presidential election in which Georgescu secured the most votes in the first round. The vote was invalidated over concerns of Russian interference, with a new ballot scheduled for 4 May. Georgescu has denied wrongdoing, calling the investigation politically motivated.

Six arrested after months-long investigation

The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism has arrested six individuals, including 101-year-old retired General Radu Theodoru, on suspicion of planning to overthrow the Romanian government with Russian backing.

The group, known as “Vlad the Impaler Command,” reportedly sought to undermine Romania’s constitutional order, dissolve political parties, install a new administration aligned with their ideology, and rescind the country’s NATO membership. 

Investigators found evidence of contact with Russian officials, including a trip to Moscow in January. Officials said the group had been monitored for months and was in the early stages of organising anti-government demonstrations to escalate them into mass unrest. The authorities claim the suspects were attempting to recruit former military personnel and law enforcement officers to support their cause.

Georgescu companies searched, two attachés expelled

Law enforcement conducted additional searches at firms linked to Georgescu, seizing financial records and communication logs. Reports indicate that companies providing him with rental vehicles are under scrutiny as investigators seek to determine whether Russian funding played a role in his campaign and activities.

In a related move, the Romanian Foreign Ministry expelled Russian military attachés Victor Makovskiy and Evgeni Ignatiev for activities violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The decision follows growing concerns about Russian espionage and covert influence operations in Romania. The Russian embassy in Bucharest called the decision unfounded and warned of retaliatory measures, stating that the expulsions were part of an orchestrated political campaign against Russian interests.

Trump associates accuse Romanian gov’t of suppressing dissent

The unfolding situation has drawn international attention with figures including US Vice President JD Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk criticising Romania’s handling of the Georgescu case. Musk suggested on social media that the case reflected a broader European trend of suppressing dissent while Vance called for an independent review of the Romanian authorities’ actions.

Romanian authorities say Georgescu’s political rhetoric and activities have contributed to an increase in extremist mobilisation in Romania. Intelligence officials have also warned that Russian-backed networks are attempting to destabilise the country through disinformation campaigns and covert support for radical groups. Analysts said pro-Russian narratives could deepen societal divisions, and international observers will be monitoring the election very closely.