The European Commission has confirmed it received no official notification from Romanian authorities regarding the recent DIICOT investigation into an unauthorized nursing home network in Bihor, despite the case surfacing publicly nearly two weeks ago. While the Commission notes that oversight of long-term care remains primarily a national competency, it has previously identified systemic deficiencies in Romania’s social services and long-term care quality in its 2026 Country Report and Specific Recommendations.
Regulatory Gaps and European Commission Oversight
According to a spokesperson for the European Commission, while the institution cannot comment on ongoing criminal investigations, it has been monitoring the broader state of social care in Romania. The 2026 Country Report highlighted persistent gaps in community services for persons with disabilities and the delivery of care in rural areas. The Commission explicitly urged the Romanian government to strengthen the quality and monitoring of these services, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Did you know?
The European Commission’s oversight occurs within the “European Semester,” a framework for the coordination of economic and social policies across European Union member states.
The Bihor Case: Allegations of Exploitation
The DIICOT investigation centers on Viorel Pașca, who allegedly operated an organized crime network under the guise of the “Dumbrava DPG Dumnezeu Poartă de Grijă” humanitarian association. Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and this year, the network exploited hundreds of vulnerable individuals to obtain financial benefits, including pensions, disability payments, and funeral allowances.
Evidence presented by DIICOT suggests that victims were kept in conditions of dependency without adequate medical care or supervision. Investigators reported that 401 individuals who died while under the care of these unauthorized facilities were buried in a field near a local cemetery. The Ministry of Labor has confirmed that the facilities lacked the necessary accreditation and licenses to operate.
Legal Proceedings and Judicial Decisions
The legal status of the accused remains in flux. Following the initial detention of Viorel Pașca, his wife, and his children on July 1, the Bucharest Tribunal placed the primary suspect under judicial control on July 2. The court’s decision was based on the finding that the facilities provided basic necessities, such as food and medical access.
DIICOT and the defense have contested this ruling. The Bucharest Court of Appeal is scheduled to deliver a final decision on July 13. The potential outcomes include maintaining judicial control, imposing preventive detention, or releasing the suspect without restrictive measures. The estimated financial damage associated with the unauthorized network is significant.
Defense Perspective and Historical Context
In an interview with Libertatea, Viorel Pașca described the origins of his activities, claiming he began providing informal care 20 years ago after witnessing individuals suffering from the cold. He stated that his efforts were intended to solve a social problem where vulnerable people had nowhere to live. However, the current investigation paints a different picture, focusing on the lack of qualifications among staff and the failure to provide consistent medical treatment.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current status of the Bihor nursing home investigation? The case is under investigation by DIICOT, with a final decision on preventive measures pending at the Bucharest Court of Appeal.
- Did the European Commission know about the Bihor case? No, the Commission stated it was not officially informed by Romanian authorities about this specific case.
- What were the main concerns raised by the EU regarding Romanian social care? The 2026 Country Report identified deficiencies in long-term care quality, monitoring, and service provision for people with disabilities.
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