Romanian authorities have arrested six people, including a 101-year-old retired general, on treason charges for allegedly plotting a Russian-backed coup to overthrow the government.
The suspects are accused of working with Russian agents to pull Romania out of NATO, dissolve political parties, and install a new government, according to Romania’s organized crime investigation agency (DIICOT).
The arrests took place Wednesday, and Romania has since expelled two Russian diplomats, including Russia’s military attaché and his deputy, for allegedly supporting the plot.
Prosecutors say the group was formed in 2023 with a military-style structure. The suspects allegedly traveled to Russia in January to discuss plans to seize power, change Romania’s constitution, and alter the country’s name, flag, and anthem.
One of the suspects is Radu Theodoru, a 101-year-old former general known for his antisemitic views and support of Romania’s fascist movement. He and the group allegedly planned to replace the government with a “Council of the Wise” and other leadership bodies.
The Russian Embassy in Bucharest called the expulsion of its diplomats “unjustified and unfriendly”, while Romanian intelligence officials insist the diplomats were involved in covert intelligence activities.
The arrests come after Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the presidential election, citing Russian interference. Călin Georgescu, a pro-Russian, far-right candidate, had won the most votes before the results were scrapped. He has since been indicted for campaign finance violations and anti-government activities.
Separately, Romanian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Horatiu Potra, a security contractor with ties to the French Foreign Legion and armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is accused of illegally possessing weapons and participating in the coup plot.
The suspects remain in custody as prosecutors prepare treason charges, which could result in long prison sentences. Romanian officials say the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests could follow.
