DIICOT conducted 42 searches in a case involving falsified customs documents and imports of luxury cars from the United States

DIICOT prosecutors in Constanța and Organized Crime Combat officers conducted 42 searches in Bucharest and the counties of Argeș, Vâlcea and Dolj as part of a case involving the formation of an organized criminal group and the use of falsified customs or commercial documents.

According to investigators, the group was allegedly formed in 2021 by several Romanian citizens with the aim of making profits by reducing customs duties on imports of luxury cars from the United States. Group members allegedly used forged documents submitted to customs authorities.

The investigation, conducted with FBI support among others, indicates that the suspects allegedly committed theft, fraud and robbery offenses in the United States. The money obtained was allegedly subsequently laundered in Romania through the purchase of properties, luxury cars and jewelry.

Organized crime enforcement units, gendarmes and representatives of the Romanian Customs Authority took part in the operation. The persons targeted are due to be questioned at DIICOT Constanța headquarters. Investigators stress that they benefit from the presumption of innocence throughout the proceedings.