Searches in Prahova and three other counties in a case concerning abuse, embezzlement, and cruelty to animals

Police officers from the Economic Crime Investigation Service of the Prahova County Police Inspectorate conducted 18 searches on Thursday in Prahova, Tulcea, Ilfov and Constanța counties, in a case coordinated by the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Mizil District Court. The investigation concerns possible offenses of abuse of office, embezzlement, the intentional and unlawful killing of animals, and animal cruelty.

The searches took place at the headquarters of several town halls, commercial companies and shelters for stray dogs. The locations targeted include the town halls of Albești-Paleologu, Puchenii Mari and Blejoi in Prahova, as well as a private shelter in Dăeni commune, Tulcea County.

According to investigators, between 2025 and 2026, several administrative-territorial units in Prahova allegedly directly and unlawfully awarded contracts for the capture and housing of stray dogs to three companies from Tulcea. Although the companies allegedly collected substantial sums for housing, treatment and feeding the animals, the dogs were reportedly in poor health.

Investigators suspect that part of the money was illegally appropriated, with the estimated damage amounting to approximately 129,000 lei. The companies’ veterinarians also allegedly euthanized dogs at the private shelter, although the animals were not housed in a public shelter, as required by law.

Police seized documents to supplement the evidence. Six people are due to be questioned.

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