The Bucharest Court of Appeal has ordered Călin Georgescu to remain in preventive arrest for an additional 30 days, overturning a previous lower court decision that would have allowed his release under judicial control. The definitive ruling ensures Georgescu stays in custody until November 27, 2026, in a case involving allegations of fraud and the formation of an organized criminal group.
Court of Appeal extends Georgescu detention to November 27
The legal battle follows a period of volatility in the case; the Bucharest Tribunal had previously decided to release Georgescu under judicial control before prosecutors successfully appealed that decision. This latest ruling locks in the 30-day extension.
Did you know? The investigation into Călin Georgescu began following a complaint filed with DIICOT by Răzvan Leu, a businessman from Buzău, who claims he lost 1.1 million euros.
DIICOT alleges 1.1 million euro fraud scheme
Prosecutors allege that Georgescu formed an organized criminal group to defraud investors. The scheme involved a proposal to Răzvan Leu regarding transactions with precious metals, which required a credit line. Leu was introduced to Georgescu through a mutual friend, Ion Negoescu.
To secure this credit, prosecutors claim Leu was asked to pay a guarantee. The business required a credit line, and Georgescu reportedly advised Leu to contact Ionel Rusen, who then introduced him to Massimiliano Arena, an Italian citizen representing a Swiss bank. DIICOT asserts that 100,000 euros of this sum were intended to finance Georgescu’s presidential campaign, supported by a detailed spending plan. Leu was later convinced to transfer an additional 100,000 euros under the promise that the loan could increase to 15 million euros.
George Simion threatens street protests over ‘political prisoner’
AUR George Simion announced via Facebook that his party will take to the streets in the coming days to protest what he calls “repression.” Simion has repeatedly called for Georgescu’s release from the Parliament podium and has characterized him as a “political prisoner” in a briefing.
Simion claimed he has traveled thousands of kilometers to “internationalize” the case and highlight an “attack on democracy.” He stated that AUR is perhaps the only party remaining faithful to the will of the Romanian people. During a briefing, Simion also alleged a “true persecution on TikTok,” claiming some accounts had been closed, and stated, “But we are trying to do this,” regarding fighting a system with “totalitarian habits” through democratic methods.
Context: Simion’s efforts to internationalize the issue included attending the “Together Stronger!” conference in Prague from October 23-25, where he met with Czech Vice Prime Ministers Karel Havlíček and Petr Macinka. The event was organized by the Patrimonium Sancti Adalberti Association, an organization founded in 2020 to strengthen cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries. Havlíček leads the Ministry of Industry and Trade, while Macinka heads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
AUR deputies claim judicial double standards
AUR Deputy Bogdan Velcescu has accused the Romanian judicial system of applying a “flagrant double standard.” Velcescu argued that dangerous criminals, including drug traffickers and corrupt politicians, are often released or placed under house arrest, while Georgescu is held in 30-day increments.
Comparison of Legal Status and Allegations
| Detail | Case Facts (DIICOT/Court) | AUR Position |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Preventive arrest until Nov 27, 2026 | “Political prisoner” |
| Primary Charge | Fraud and organized crime | Political repression/elimination |
| Financial Stake | 1.1 million euros (alleged loss) | Not addressed in public statements |
Călin Georgescu case specifics
What specific role did the presidential campaign play in the allegations?
Prosecutors claim that 100,000 euros of the guarantee provided by the victim were intended to finance Călin Georgescu’s presidential campaign, including a presented spending plan.
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