The Police and DIICOT are conducting 137 searches in the counties of Suceava, Botoșani, Neamț, and Vrancea, targeting criminal groups specialized in smuggling and corruption.

The police and DIICOT prosecutors are conducting 137 home searches in the counties of Suceava, Botoșani, Neamț, and Vrancea, as part of two criminal cases aimed at dismantling organized criminal groups involved in smuggling and corruption. The investigation focuses on acts committed between June 2024 and May 2026, during which members of the groups allegedly illegally introduced into Romania cigarettes of non-EU origin and other goods evading customs control.

Additionally, the introduction into the country of certain pesticides banned in the European Union is being investigated. Documented offenses include the establishment of an organized criminal group, qualified smuggling, bribery, and trafficking of toxic products. The Border Police supports the investigation and distances itself from the illegal behaviors of the involved public officials. Hearings of the targeted individuals are taking place at the DIICOT headquarters – Suceava Territorial Service, and the actions are supported by organized crime combat brigades and gendarmes from the involved counties.