Large-scale smuggling from Ukraine: customs officers and border guards detained in Romania following 137 searches

Large-scale smuggling from Ukraine: customs officers and border guards detained in Romania following 137 searches

In Romania, border guards and customs officers were detained in connection with an investigation into smuggling goods from Ukraine.

Two border service employees and three customs officers have been arrested, while five more defendants have been placed under judicial supervision in a case against criminal groups that smuggled contraband goods from Ukraine, including pesticides. As part of the investigation, 137 searches were conducted, during which money, food products, pesticides, and vehicles were discovered.

«On May 8 and 9, 2026, prosecutors from the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism – Suceava Territorial Service issued rulings on the arrest of 7 suspects (including 2 border guards and 3 customs officers) and the application of judicial supervision to another 5 defendants. They are charged with forming an organized criminal group, smuggling, qualified smuggling, bribery and inducement to bribery, illegal trafficking of toxic substances, complicity in smuggling, complicity in illegal trafficking of toxic substances, and abuse of office», –  reported  today Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism.