Romanian Military Commander Forced Soldiers to Work at His Home

Interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță has ordered the immediate removal of the military commander at the Murfatlar unit following revelations of systemic internal fraud and abuse of power. Investigations confirmed the commander misused unit funds for personal expenses, including clothing and footwear, while forcing subordinates to perform domestic labor and provide food supplies for his private events.

Misuse of Military Assets at Murfatlar

The investigation into the Murfatlar military unit uncovered a pattern of behavior where the commander treated state resources as personal property. According to Minister Radu Miruță, official accounting records showed the commander routinely expensed personal items—such as sneakers, tracksuits, and t-shirts—to the unit’s budget.

Beyond financial irregularities, the commander reportedly forced enlisted personnel to renovate his private apartment and work on his personal household. The minister confirmed that these abuses extended to the procurement of food; the commander allegedly demanded that subordinates prepare meals for his private gatherings and provide large quantities of groceries. At the time of the inspection, authorities discovered significant quantities of food and fuel, including a pig carcass, 100 liters of bottled wine, and various fish, alongside a 1,700-liter deficit in the unit’s fuel reserves.

Administrative and Criminal Consequences

Minister Miruță has initiated a two-pronged response to the findings. The commander has been removed from his position and replaced by a new officer. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense has launched an administrative investigation into the accounting staff who authorized the fraudulent expense reports. The case has also been referred to the Military Prosecutor’s Office for further criminal investigation.

This follows a broader crackdown on administrative irregularities within the Ministry of Defense. Earlier reports indicated that 18 Ministry employees are currently under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) regarding the illegal construction of two residential buildings located within 100 meters of a munitions depot.

Fraudulent Credentials in Ministry Medical Staff

The Murfatlar case is not the only instance of internal misconduct identified by the Ministry. Minister Miruță reported that a physician employed by the Ministry of Defense utilized falsified certificates to secure unauthorized appointments. The individual allegedly used forged documents, purportedly issued by internal structures, to claim specializations they did not possess.

These false credentials allowed the doctor to be appointed to roles for which they were not legally qualified. The Ministry has since canceled the physician’s appointment and referred the matter to the Military Prosecutor’s Office to determine the extent of the fraud and the involvement of those who may have facilitated the issuance of the false documentation.

FAQ

• Why was the Murfatlar commander removed?
  
  He was removed due to confirmed reports of misusing unit funds for personal purchases, forcing soldiers to perform domestic labor, and misappropriating food and fuel supplies.
• What happens to the staff who processed these expenses?
  
  Minister Miruță announced an administrative investigation to determine how accounting personnel approved the commander’s personal expenses.
• Is the medical fraud case related to the Murfatlar unit?
  
  No, the medical fraud case involves a separate physician who used falsified specialization certificates to obtain unauthorized military appointments.
• Are there other ongoing investigations at the Ministry of Defense?
  
  Yes, the DNA is currently investigating 18 employees regarding the illegal construction of buildings near a munitions depot.