Russian Embassy challenges sabotage allegations / Moscow denounces “speculation” in case of arrested Russian citizen

The Russian Embassy in Bucharest disputes the accusations made by the Romanian authorities against a Russian citizen placed in pretrial detention for 30 days in a case concerning an alleged attempt to commit acts of sabotage on Romanian territory.

Moscow’s reaction comes after the Romanian Intelligence Service announced that it had thwarted acts of sabotage, while DIICOT prosecutors detained, on September 8, 2026, a citizen of the Russian Federation who holds a residence permit in Romania. The Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice informed the Russian Embassy about the detention and the pretrial detention measure.

According to information presented in the Romanian press, the man allegedly collected military intelligence by photographing and filming sensitive sites, with a view to preparing acts of sabotage and subversion. The activity was allegedly coordinated from Russian territory, sources cited in reports about the case claim.

In a statement published on Facebook, the embassy says that the materials appearing in the public domain contain “assumptions, speculation and all kinds of fantasies” and do not provide concrete evidence regarding the illegal nature of the activities or the involvement of the Russian authorities. The diplomatic mission claims that the Russian citizen could be the victim of a “provocation” intended to fuel anti-Russian sentiments.

The embassy requested that the Romanian authorities arrange a meeting with him and announced that it was prepared to provide him with consular and legal assistance. The case is still being investigated by the Romanian authorities.