A Romanian man in Italy is under criminal investigation after allegedly driving 3,260 kilometers in a car that had been seized

A 39-year-old Romanian man from Occhiobello, in the province of Rovigo, is under criminal investigation in Italy after allegedly using a vehicle under administrative seizure and removing the seals applied by the authorities. The vehicle traveled 3,260 kilometers after the measure was imposed.

The case began in June 2026, when carabinieri in Occhiobello stopped the vehicle during a traffic check and found that it did not have the mandatory insurance. The vehicle was placed under administrative seizure and left in the owner’s custody, with the obligation not to use or move it and to keep the seals intact.

In July, the carabinieri went to the man’s home to inspect the vehicle, but he was not at the address. After the car returned, the officers found that the seals had been removed and that the mileage had increased by 3,260 kilometers. Asked about the situation, the Romanian allegedly said he had used the vehicle to buy cigarettes.

In August 2026, the carabinieri notified the Rovigo Prosecutor’s Office. The man is being investigated for breaking seals. Under Article 349 of the Italian Criminal Code, the offense is ordinarily punishable by six months to three years in prison and a fine of between 103 and 1,032 euros. For a person who had the property in their custody, the sentence can reach five years in prison, while the fine can rise to 3,098 euros.